Key Points Summary: Fight for Elephants

• Cher joins lawsuit to block L.A. Zoo from sending elephants to Tulsa
• Activists want Billy and Tina moved to sanctuary, not another zoo
• Lawsuit filed days after zoo announced transfer to Tulsa’s 10-acre preserve
• L.A. Zoo accused of causing long-term damage to elephants’ health
• City Council demands pause and transparency before any relocation
• Protesters rally outside zoo, call for ‘freedom and dignity’ for elephants
• No contract signed yet; fate of the elephants still uncertain

The battle over the fate of two beloved elephants in Los Angeles has taken a dramatic turn. A new lawsuit filed Friday aims to stop the transfer of Billy and Tina from the L.A. Zoo to the Tulsa Zoo. The suit demands they be sent to an elephant sanctuary instead.

Cher Joins Legal Fight for Captive Elephants

Local animal lover John Kelly filed the lawsuit and asked the court for an injunction to block the move. Music legend Cher joined the cause in a passionate court filing. “Billy and Tina have served their time in confinement. They deserve to live in peace and dignity,” she said.

Dozens of activists, including stars like Lily Tomlin and the late Bob Barker, have slammed the zoo for years. They say its enclosures are too cramped and unnatural for elephants.

Tulsa Zoo Move Sparks Fresh Outrage

Zoo officials argue that Tulsa’s new 10-acre preserve and 36,000-square-foot barn offer ample space and better social life. They say Billy and Tina—now 40 and 59—will thrive with five other elephants.

Critics, however, remain unconvinced. “Call it a preserve or an exhibit, it’s still confinement,” said attorney Melissa Lerner. The lawsuit claims the elephants suffer from foot damage and mental distress due to isolation.

Activists Say Public Was Shut Out

During a City Council budget hearing, Councilmember Bob Blumenfield demanded a full report on the transfer. He emphasized that Last Chance for Animals even offered to cover the cost of moving the elephants to a sanctuary.

L.A. Zoo Director Denise Verret responded by saying no date has been set. She insisted her top concern is the animals’ welfare.

Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez warned that Verret has the authority to proceed without Council approval. That concern fueled more public outrage.

Protesters Rally at Zoo on Mother’s Day

On Sunday, 35 protesters gathered outside the L.A. Zoo. They chanted and waved “Free Billy” signs. “This isn’t over,” said protester Elvia Sedano. “We’ll be back every week until justice is done.”

Supporters say Billy’s case has come to symbolize the larger fight against keeping elephants in captivity.

Critics Rank L.A. Zoo Worst for Elephants

In Defense of Animals again named the L.A. Zoo as the worst place in the U.S. for elephants. The group cited Billy’s repetitive head bobbing, calling it a symptom of “zoochosis.” Experts link the condition to long-term confinement.

Billy arrived in 1989 when he was four. Tina came in 2010 at the age of 44. In the wild, Asian elephants often live into their 60s.

Future of the Elephants Still Unclear

No formal agreement exists between the L.A. and Tulsa zoos. Verret says she is still evaluating all options, but critics argue the process lacks openness.

For now, Billy and Tina remain at the L.A. Zoo. Their fate continues to spark legal battles, political debates, and public protests.