It’s a lukewarm thumbs-up from the Edmonton Humane Society in the ongoing debate over whether our zoo is good for Lucy the elephant. In a letter sent to the Edmonton Valley Zoo following a review of Lucy’s care, the Society said it is “satisfied at this time that the zoo is consulting with various experts in the field to ensure they are providing adequate care.”

A senior animal protection officer at the Society, B. Nicoll, said the investigation is an open one, and complaints such as those about Lucy’s exercise program were addressed as part of this recent assessment. “Our priority is ensuring Lucy continues to receive the best possible care,” said Dr. Milton Ness, Edmonton Valley Zoo veterinarian.

That doesn’t fly with Julie Woodyear, campaign director of Zoocheck Canada. “The Humane Society failed to look at critical details about Lucy’s care—they are in a conflict of interest and have no business investigating,” she said.

Dr. James Oosterhuis, a third-party veterinarian with 35 years experience caring for elephants, is returning to Edmonton to conduct another exam of Lucy. The zoo will use his results and the EHS recommendations when making further decisions about Lucy’s care.