A veterinarian from the U.S. specializing in the care of elephants has concluded moving Lucy from the Valley Zoo would put her life at risk.

James Oosterhuis examined the 34-year-old elephant last week.

"Her (Lucy's) current respiratory problems preclude any thought of moving her and in fact it would (be) life-threatening for her to be placed under that kind of stress," stated Dr. Oosterhuis in a letter to the Edmonton Valley Zoo. "It is my opinion that it would be unethical for any veterinarian to recommend moving her and in fact would be malpractice to sign a health certificate for her at this time."

During the examination a three-metre-long endoscope was used to observe the inside of Lucy's trunk. The scope showed that Lucy's nasal passages are severely constricted, which makes it difficult for Lucy to breathe through her trunk. Lucy has adapted by learning to breathe through her mouth.

Zoo officials said she finds it more difficult to breathe when she is in stressful situations, such as travelling. 

"It is remarkable to me that Lucy has adapted to this health issue. She is a survivor," said Valley Zoo veterinarian Dr. Ness. "As a professional veterinarian, and like all Edmontonians, I want what is best for Lucy and what is best for Lucy is to stay in Edmonton where she has lived for 32 years."

Lucy was thrust into the spotlight after some big name celebrities were calling for the release of the elephant at the Edmonton Valley Zoo.

Just last week, Montreal native and celebrity actor William Shatner wrote a letter to Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel calling for the release of Lucy.

In his letter, Shatner wrote that although Edmonton "can capably take care of its own ... in a larger sense, these extraordinary animals are everyone's responsibility."

Retired TV game-show host and longtime animal activist Bob Barker has also openly questioned the health of Lucy.

Linda Cochrane, GM for the city's community services department said the recent information provided about Lucy's health shows that the City of Edmonton will not move Lucy to another facility.

"The risk that a move will result in her death is just too great. We owe it to this exceptional animal to continue to make decisions that are in her best interest," said Cochrane.