Dozens of animal advocates gathered outside the Los Angeles Zoo on Saturday to request that two elephants, Billy and Tina, be relocated to the animal sanctuary following their recent transfer to the Tulsa Zoo.
Organized by Animal Defence and supported by a group that includes Inhumane Rights Project and Los Angeles animals, the rally responded to Billy and Tina’s recent unannounced transfer to Tulsa Zoo in Oklahoma, critics say the move took place without public opinion and urged sanctuary options to be considered in opposition to pending city council motions.
Animal rights advocates have long raised concerns about both Los Angeles and the Tulsa Zoo. They argue that the conditions of the facility are insufficient for the elephant. In defense, both institutions are repeatedly listed in the annual ranking of “10 worst elephant zoos,” describing them as “severe confinement” that leads to limited space and psychological distress.
“The Los Angeles Zoo can still do the right thing for Billy and Tina,” said Courtney Scott, an elephant consultant for Elephant Defense. “If the city council passes this motion, the zoo must present a sanctuary option. If the zoo really cares about the health and welfare of these long-suffering elephants and the value of Angeleno animal lovers, a true sanctuary is the only viable option.”
The Los Angeles City Council introduced a motion led by Rep. Bob Blumenfield, who would have requested the zoo to present an alternative to the sanctuary before relocating the elephants. However, the move to Tulsa Zoo occurred before formal action was taken.
The Friday the day before the transfer, the Non-Human Rights Project aims to file a lawsuit on behalf of Billy and Tina, stopping and exploring the placement of sanctuaries at the zoo. The case is currently underway.
“We asked the court to do what the zoo refused,” said Courtney Fern, director of government affairs for the Non-Human Rights Project. “Think about the overwhelming scientific, ethical and public support for their freedom.”
In addition to legal efforts, supporters say public pressure is growing. Animal Defense says that over 21,000 people have urged Mayor Karen Bass and council members to sign petitions and help them move to the sanctuary. An additional 18,000 messages have been sent to directors of the Los Angeles Zoo Denise Verret and Dan Ashe, presidents of the Zoos and Aquariums Association.
The joint letter addressed to Mayor Bass and widely shared on social media were signed by 85 public figures, including Cher, Lily Tomlin, Kim Basinger, Bill Maher and Priscilla Presley, and urged city leaders to reconsider their decisions.
In the statement, he pointed out the behavior of elephants (including repetitive movements such as shaking and headbobbing) as potential signs of psychological trauma derived from prison in animal defense.
The organization argues that the sanctuary environment allows the animal’s spaces and conditions to be more suited to physical and emotional recovery.
The Los Angeles Zoo has not responded publicly to recent rally. As legal proceedings continue, animal advocates say they will pressure city officials to revisit the decision.
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