Edmonton zoo elephant Lucy gets medical OK as she approaches 50th birthday [Video]

The latest checkup on famed Edmonton elephant Lucy finds her in good shape ahead of her 50th birthday, but not healthy enough to be relocated to join a herd.

Gary Dewar, director of the Edmonton Valley Zoo, says experts have determined the elephant’s respiratory issues won’t allow her to travel.

“She has trouble breathing and, if we were to try to transport her, there would be much stress associated with that travel. And there is the very likely potential that she would die en route,” Dewar told a news conference Tuesday.

“That is not something we are wanting to take the chance on.”

He said the gentle giant’s health is good considering she turns 50 next year and she continues to go on walks around the zoo to stay in shape. Her workouts move indoors during the winter.

Dewar said experts have indicated she has about 10 to 15 more …