PETA offers to help save Jersey shore’s elephant landmark

An animal rights organization is offering to help save a giant wood and tin elephant if it can send a message about the plight of the real-life creatures.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals said Thursday it will pay for some of Lucy the Elephant's estimated $58,000 in repairs in exchange for using the Margate landmark as a "spokes-elephant" for elephants forced into circus work.

The 134-year-old Lucy attraction needs crumbling wood replaced and a new coat of paint.

Richard Helfant, head of the organization maintaining Lucy, says he wants to hear more about PETA's proposal to see how it would reconcile with Lucy's National Historic Landmark status and a desire to keep the attraction a "happy place" for youngsters.

The Save Lucy Committee has sold T-shirts and used crowdfunding to raise money.

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