EDMONTON - While Lucy the elephant still has respiratory problems that make it dangerous to move her from the Valley Zoo, other aspects of her health are improving, a veterinarian says.

Animal rights activists and celebrities have long argued the 35-year-old Asian elephant is in distress and should be shipped to a U.S. sanctuary to live with others of her breed, but city officials say the trip might kill her.

In a report released Thursday, California veterinarian Dr. James Oosterhuis wrote that a Jan. 31 examination showed a constricting mass remains in her trunk that makes it hard for her to breathe.

The stress of travelling to a new home would be life-threatening, he said.

“I continue to feel that it would be unethical for any veterinarian to recommend moving her in her current condition.”

Although a three-metre endoscope normally used on horses was put up Lucy’s trunk to see the obstruction, it wasn’t strong enough to take a tissue sample.

Zoo veterinarian Dr. Milton Ness now plans to consult with biomedical engineers about building a unique device that would allow them to do a trunk biopsy.

However, Lucy’s weight is down, although she needs to lose another 300 kilograms in the next year, and daily exercise has increased her overall fitness and health, Oosterhuis wrote.

The Edmonton Humane Society has been looking into the elephant’s care since Oct. 5, when they received a complaint.

The organization required the zoo to have Lucy’s weight and respiratory ailment assessed by March 1, as well as providing winter quarters with more exercise space by the end of the year.

The society can’t comment on continuing investigations due to privacy restrictions, spokeswoman Shawna Randolph said.

No charges have been laid.

gkent@edmontonjournal.com