Latest Lucy examination reveals a uterine tumour, fails to explain breathing issue or unanimously advise relocation

Edmonton Valley Zoo is making improvements to Lucy the elephant's enclosure and routine to accommodate her for the long term after international experts did not agree she was fit to be relocated.

Edmonton Valley Zoo is making improvements to Lucy the elephant's enclosure and routine to accommodate her for the long term after international experts did not agree she was fit to be relocated.

The zoo hosted four elephant veterinary and husbandry professionals – sponsored by U.K. animal advocacy organization Free the Wild – in October.

The experts conducted numerous tests on and observed Lucy for three days, evaluating not only her health but also her quality of life and the likelihood she'd survive being moved out of Alberta's capital city.

Among their findings was a mass, believed to be a benign tumour, in Lucy's uterus; the experts estimated her uterus and the tumour together weighed about 80 kilograms.

They also found the 47-year-old Asian elephant has low blood-oxygen levels, especially after exercise, and breathes only through her mouth – which is extremely rare for an elephant.

The first signs of a respiratory issue in Lucy's trunk were noticed in 2004, and previously led the zoo and other experts to believe she wouldn't survive travel.

But as zoo director Gary Dewar put it, the validity of that advice was disputed by animal advocates. And so, he welcomed Free the Wild's help when the group reached out.