Dozens of animal advocates gathered outside the Los Angeles Zoo on Saturday, demanding that two elephants, Billy and Tina, be relocated to an animal sanctuary following their recent transfer to the Tulsa Zoo.
The rally, organized by In Defense of Animals and supported by groups including the Nonhuman Rights Project and Los Angeles for Animals, comes in response to the Los Angeles Zoo’s recent and unannounced transfer of Billy and Tina to the Tulsa Zoo in Oklahoma. Critics say the move was made without public input and in defiance of a pending City Council motion urging that sanctuary options be considered.
Animal rights advocates have long raised concerns over both the Los Angeles and Tulsa zoos, alleging that conditions at the facilities are inadequate for elephants. In Defense of Animals has repeatedly listed both institutions on its annual ranking of the “10 Worst Zoos for Elephants,” citing limited space and what it describes as “harsh confinement” leading to psychological distress.
“The Los Angeles Zoo can still do the right thing for Billy and Tina,” said Courtney Scott, Elephant Consultant with In Defense of Animals. “If the City Council passes this motion, the zoo must present sanctuary options. A true sanctuary is the only viable option if the zoo genuinely cares about the health and wellbeing of these long-suffering elephants and the values of Angeleno animal lovers.”
The Los Angeles City Council had introduced a motion, spearheaded by Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, that would have required the zoo to present sanctuary alternatives before relocating the elephants. However, the transfer to Tulsa Zoo occurred before any formal action was taken.
On Friday, the day before the transfer, the Nonhuman Rights Project filed a lawsuit on behalf of Billy and Tina, aiming to halt the move and compel the zoo to explore sanctuary placements. The case is currently ongoing.
“We asked the court to do what the zoo has refused to do,” said Courtney Fern, Director of Government Relations at the Nonhuman Rights Project. “Consider the overwhelming scientific, ethical and public support for their freedom.”
In addition to legal efforts, advocates say public pressure is growing. According to In Defense of Animals, more than 21,000 people have signed a petition for Mayor Karen Bass and members of the City Council urging them to support relocation to a sanctuary. An additional 18,000 messages have been sent to Los Angeles Zoo Director Denise Verret and Dan Ashe, President of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
A joint letter addressed to Mayor Bass and shared widely on social media was signed by 85 public figures, including Cher, Lily Tomlin, Kim Basinger, Bill Maher, and Priscilla Presley, urging city leadership to reconsider the decision.
In a statement, In Defense of Animals pointed to the elephants’ behavior — including repetitive motions such as swaying and head-bobbing — as potential signs of psychological trauma stemming from captivity.
The organization contends that a sanctuary environment would allow the animals space and conditions more suited to their physical and emotional recovery.
The Los Angeles Zoo has not publicly responded to the recent rally. As legal proceedings continue, animal advocates say they will maintain pressure on city officials to revisit the decision.
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