The $10.9M needed for repairs and updates at the Valley Zoo are included in what City Council must consider in budget deliberations. There are a number of problems that need to be addressed to make the zoo safe for animals, staff and the public. If the problems are not addressed the zoo could be required to relocate some animals and could lose its annual operating permit from the province and its accreditation with the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Another protest was staged at the Whitemud overpass Saturday by those who call for Lucy the elephant to be moved from the Edmonton Valley Zoo. Lucy has been at the Edmonton Valley Zoo for 45 years and like other elephants in captivity suffers from a number of health conditions. Moving Lucy is a long standing debate with strong opinions on both sides.