The whereabouts of a pair of Los Angeles Zoo elephants at the center of an ongoing relocation dispute was unclear Wednesday morning amid suspicions that they may have already been moved to another state.
Zoogoers reported the enclosure housing Asian elephants Billy and Tina appeared to be empty on Tuesday, leading to rumors they had been loaded onto trucks and snuck out during the middle of the night.
Photos taken Monday afternoon by Elephant Guardians of Los Angeles showing the elephants wearing shackles were followed by images of their empty enclosure by Last Chance for Animals on Tuesday.
“Billy & Tina at the Los Angeles Zoo today (May 19, 2025) with shackles on all four legs in preparation for the move to the Tulsa Zoo,” the Elephant Guardians of L.A. post on Facebook read.
Organizer Cory Mac with Los Angeles for Animals says she spoke with Zoo officials several times on Tuesday and was told the elephants were still in the enclosure, but they could not guarantee if they would still be there on Wednesday.
“So, they said, they were here yesterday,” Mac told KTLA reporter Carlos Herrera Wednesday morning. “The barn door was open yesterday, and it’s air-conditioned. It was a hot day, and many patrons at the zoo often come and don’t see the elephants. It’s not unusual for the elephants not to be out.”
Mac said members of her group have been out since midnight to see if the elephants would be transported overnight, but didn’t see any trucks.
Plans to move Billy and Tina to a zoo in Tulsa, Oklahoma, have prompted demonstrations and legal battles by those who want to see the beloved elephants sent to a more spacious sanctuary instead.
Grammy-winning artist Cher also spoke out on behalf of Billy and Tina, posting to X with a link to send forms to Mayor Karen Bass.
Mac said the proposed move to Tusla would be no better for the elephants than their enclosure here in Los Angeles.
“As far as the Tulsa Zoo goes, yes, it itself has more space, but it has more elephants, so we want them at a sanctuary so they can truly have more space,” Mac said.
KTLA has reached out to L.A. Mayor Karen Bass’ office and the L.A. Zoo for confirmation on the elephants’ whereabouts.
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