A Los Angeles judge has denied an emergency motion to stop the transfer of two elephants, Billy and Tina, from the city’s zoo to a zoo in Oklahoma. The decision comes amid criticism over the care of aging elephants at the L.A. Zoo, which advocates say is inadequate.
The zoo announced plans to relocate Billy and Tina to the Tulsa Zoo in April, citing space constraints in their current 6.5-acre habitat. Animal rights activists have long argued that the elephants should be sent to an animal sanctuary instead.
The lawsuit, filed by a local resident, argues that the transfer decision was made without public input or consideration from City Council members. Cher, a longtime supporter of elephant welfare, has expressed her concern over the situation in a sworn declaration.
The L.A. Zoo maintains that the relocation is necessary to meet accreditation standards and ensure the elephants’ well-being. The city’s zoo director, Denise Verret, cited the example of the Toronto Zoo losing its accreditation due to relocating its elephants to a sanctuary as justification for her decision.
Despite the denial, advocates plan to continue fighting on behalf of Billy and Tina, calling for their relocation to an animal sanctuary.
Source: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-05-15/emergency-motion-stop-transfer-billy-and-tina-elephants-la-zoo