EDMONTON — Canadian authors including Margaret Atwood, Barbara Gowdy and Michael Ondaatje want the Edmonton zoo's only elephant to get a new home.

Lucy has been at the Valley Zoo for about 30 years and animal rights activists say she is lonely and sick.

But zoo officials and at least one city councillor have said she is fine apart from some age-related ailments.

Now, 36 writers have signed a letter urging Edmonton's mayor and city council to intervene on Lucy's behalf.

They say her environment is inappropriate and they criticize the zoo for not being able to resolve her ongoing health issues.

They suggest Lucy would do better if she had more space, better stimulation and other elephants to socialize with.

In February, legendary TV game show host Bob Barker accused the city of "torturing" Lucy by keeping her sick and isolated at the zoo.