Main fundraiser photo

Free Lucky Fund

Lucky, a female, Asian elephant,  at the San Antonio Zoo in Texas has faced solitary confinement since the death of short-residing companion, Boo, in 2013. The zoo has made it clear Lucky will remain there alone, despite the vast research that highlights the complex, highly social nature of her species. In a day and age where circuses are becoming extinct and more and more zoos are relocating their elephants to more suitable environments, Lucky's isolation is not acceptable. Help us raise funds for the lawsuit to retire Lucky from San Antonio. Help us be her voice.
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History

Lucky was born in Thailand in 1960 and wild caught before the age of one. At two years old, she was transferred to San Antonio where she has remained since.

The Free Lucky campaign began in 2007 after the death of the zoo’s African elephant, Alport, left Lucky alone for nearly two and a half years. She had been without an elephant of her species since Ginny’s death there in 2004.

In April 2010, an abused circus elephant, Boo, whose stage name was Queenie, was brought in as a companion, but the relationship between the two was strained. The zoo simply doesn’t have the space or tools to properly introduce new elephants to one another, so it was no wonder. On one instance, Boo slammed Lucky’s head into the back wall over food aggression issues. After nearly three years together, Boo died in 2013, leaving Lucky alone once more.

The zoo has publicly stated that they intend to let Lucky die alone in San Antonio, arguing she doesn’t like other elephants and is “weird;” however past zoo employees have come forward saying she was very bonded with Ginny. Elephants are a highly social species, and Lucky is not an exception to that.

The zoo has never met her needs as a species. It is antiquated, too small, the substrata is compact, she can’t fully submerge in her pool, and she hasn’t touched real grass in at least 52 years. It is clear the zoo won’t be getting elephants until Lucky dies. So why not let her go?___________________________________________________________________________________

This is where we need YOU to step in for Lucky.

On April 9, 2015, a 60-day notice of intent to sue was served to the San Antonio Zoo by the Animal Legal Defense Fund  and the law firm of Melissa Lesniak. The the international law firm Dentons LLP  is also providing pro bono legal assistance. This gave the zoo a 60-day window to comply to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 or face litigation. To be clear, One World Conservation  is not the plaintiff. Our role is that of an interested third party, and we will support this case in whatever capacity is necessary for Lucky's release.

On December 1, after attempted mediation and negotiations, the lawsuit was filed.

We are raising funds to help Lucky's cause of action. This fund will henceforth be referred to as the Free Lucky Fund. If it overflows beyond the lawsuit, it will go into a lifetime of care for Lucky. If something happens to Lucky during or after the lawsuit, these funds will be allocated to Friends of the Asian Elephant, an elephant hospital in Lucky's native country of Thailand, or a similar program in Thailand. 100% of the proceeds from GoFundMe will be going into the Free Lucky Fund.

Please spread and share far and wide.

Donations 

  • Alisa Michalzik
    • $50 
    • 8 yrs

Organizer

Kelly Anderson
Organizer
San Antonio, TX
One World Conservation
 
Registered nonprofit
Donations are typically 100% tax deductible in the US.

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