Controversy and litigation have hit the Los Angeles Zoo as it faces a lawsuit over the planned relocation of two aging Asian elephants to a facility in Oklahoma. A local Los Angeles resident, John Kelly, filed the lawsuit to halt the move of the elephants dubbed Billy and Tina to the Tulsa Zoo's "Elephant Experience and Preserve." Kelly, expressing concern for the elephants' well-being, alleges that the Tulsa destination is misleadingly labeled as a preserve when it is, in reality, part of a larger zoo enclosure, according to a FOX LA report.
The lawsuit intends to permanently prevent the transfer of Billy and Tina to any zoo or "unaccredited purported preserve." It suggests that the duo be relocated to a sanctuary accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, a standard echoed by Grammy-winner Cher and animal rights activists. Cher, a vocal critic of the zoo's decision, has been advocating for Billy's move to a sanctuary for over 15 years and is known to actively be involved in similar elephant rescue efforts. In a statement obtained by KTLA, Cher said, "The Tulsa zoo is not a sanctuary. Billy and Tina have served their time in confinement. They deserve the chance to live out their lives in peace and dignity."
Zoo officials had previously stated that relocating the elephants was meant to provide them with an opportunity to live among other elephants and receive optimal care. However, opponents of the move argue that confining these animals to zoos causes severe physical and mental harm. Animal rights advocates have long criticized the zoo for its handling of elephants, highlighting that these animals, in natural environments, roam vast home ranges and suffer from the limitations of zoo life. Melissa Learner, an attorney, told CBS News Los Angeles, "They are going to continue to suffer under the same inhumane conditions and this is unacceptable."
The City Council has reacted to the legal challenge and public outcry with some members insisting that the decision should be delayed to explore additional options. Councilmember Bob Blumenfield demanded a cost-benefit analysis of the available options for the elephants, such as considering sanctuaries that might provide a more suitable living environment. "We're not here for any other reason than to get Billy and Tina out of here," Sandra Bell, an animal rights advocate, told KTLA during a protest outside the zoo. As the battle continues, no definite move date has been set, leaving Billy and Tina's future in a state of limbo.
While the City Attorney's Office has refrained from commenting on pending litigation, philanthropist David Casselman has offered to fully fund the relocation and lifetime care of the elephants to a wildlife sanctuary in Cambodia. This proposal aligns with what Casselman described as an idyllic existence for the elephants and echoes the successful relocation of Kaavan, once dubbed "the world's loneliest elephant," to a Cambodian sanctuary. Despite such offers, the L.A. Zoo, guided by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums' standards, has not publicly endorsed these alternatives, as reported by FOX LA.
