Edmonton Valley Zoo turns down coat for aging elephant Lucy

The Canadian Press Posted: Feb 05, 2015 4:46 PM MT Last Updated: Feb 05, 2015 4:46 PM MT

The Edmonton Valley Zoo's lone elephant will not get a chance to try on a winter coat from a group concerned about her well-being.

The gift left for Lucy at the Edmonton Valley Zoo. (Chandra McQuarrie)

Friends of Lucy chipped in $250 to buy the extra-extra-extra large waterproof and insulated garment to protect Lucy from the cold.

Zoo spokeswoman Debi Winwood says Lucy doesn't need the coat, which Winwood says is more like a blanket.

She says it will be donated to an elephant orphanage in Africa or Asia.

Animal rights groups have been after the zoo for years to move the aging Lucy from a climate they say is too harsh for her.

The zoo says Lucy has been examined by a veterinarian and deemed too sick to travel because of respiratory troubles.

An elephant wears a coat, similar to the one offered to the Edmonton Valley Zoo for Lucy. (Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand)