Bob Barker is turning up the heat on the city of Edmonton to do something about the ailing health of Lucy the Elephant; who has lived at the Edmonton Valley Zoo for over 30 years.
The former “Price is Right” host recently offered $100K to the city council to do with as they please, as long as they agree to have Lucy seen by independent elephant experts, selected by Zoocheck Canada and Performing Animal Welfare Society.
“It’s crucial that Lucy’s condition be accurately diagnosed before her health deteriorates further,” said Barker in a statement. “It is indefensible that Lucy has been forced to live in misery for all these years.”
Barker added that accepting the funds would not require a commitment to move Lucy from the Valley Zoo.
The Mayor of Edmonton, however, is having none of it – taking his level of frustration over activists pressure to move Lucy to a refuge that he won’t even entertain a phone call from the 87-year-old Barker. Stay classy.
“I think it’s immoral he would think bribing us would be sufficient,” said Mayor Mandel to The Sun. “We are not about to be swayed by someone offering us money.”
As Andy reported earlier this month, Lucy suffers from a variety of health issues, including arthritis, chronic foot problems, and a respiratory illness, all most likely caused by her inability to walk the ranges that she would out in the wild. Because she lives in the cold of Edmonton, the zoo must keep her in a barn for months out of the year. Additionally, Lucy is kept alone and is without the company of other elephants.
If you’re interested in continuing to piss off Mayor Mandel, check out PETA’s campaign HQ for Lucy here.
Categories: Animals, Causes
Tags: bob barker.
Photo: flickr/E_TAVARES
About Michael dEstries
Michael has been blogging since 2005 on issues such as sustainability, renewable energy, philanthropy, and healthy living. He regularly contributes to a slew of publications, as well as consulting with companies looking to make an impact using the web and social media. He lives in Ithaca, NY with his family on an apple farm.View all posts by Michael dEstries →
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