A animal advocacy group is trying to force the San Antonio Zoo to free one of its animals.
The organization 'Voice for Animals' says Lucky the elephant is living an unsafe and solitary life, and that it's just not right.
Lucky has lived at the San Antonio Zoo for 46 years. She's one of the stars of the Africa Live exhibit. Lucky has outlived her other two companions and now animal activists say since elephants are very social animals, it's the perfect time to free her.
"She's all by herself; She's got nowhere to go," said Voice for Animals spokesperson Ian Rettie. "She doesn't get the exercise that an elephant's joints need."
People at Voice for Animals say Lucky's enclosure is too small and that the other two elephants died prematurely because of arthritis. The group is now conducting an online petition to rally public support.
People News 4 talked to at the zoo say they enjoy the exhibit, but they'd like to do what's best for Lucky.
"I think whatever is in the best interest for the animal," said zoo visitor Christie Hunter. "If the animal needs space or needs other animals around it, I think that should be considered."
"Take him to a sanctuary," said zoo visitor Darlene Bateman. "At least there they can roam around in their natural habitat. They'll have more room."
That's what Voice for Animals wants for Lucky, saying a 2700 acre sanctuary in Tennessee will take her.
But the zoo says Lucky is healthy and has no intentions to close the exhibit. It does say though it is actively working with other zoos to find Lucky a good companion.
The San Antonio Zoo says while it's working to find Lucky a companion, it's not sure how long it will take.
Meanwhile, the Voice for Animals hopes to bring their petitions to city council within the next several months.
To find out more about the 'Free Lucky' campaign,
click here.
