• LA Zoo elephants Tina and Billy were secretly moved to the Tulsa Zoo early Tuesday morning.
• The move faced protests and a lawsuit from animal rights advocates seeking a true sanctuary.
• Tulsa Zoo offers a larger, more natural space for the elephants to live with other elephants.

Tina and Billy, the last two Asian elephants at the Los Angeles Zoo, left their exhibit without public notice. TMZ reported the removal happened around 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday. Zoo workers placed the elephants into large crates and loaded them onto semi-trucks. Sources believe the animals traveled to the Tulsa Zoo in Oklahoma. On the same day, TMZ said the LA Zoo’s elephant area was completely empty. Keepers stayed away, and the electric fence around the enclosure switched off. These actions confirmed that the zoo prepared the space for the elephants’ departure.

Official Sources Remain Silent About Elephant Relocation

Neither the Los Angeles Zoo nor the Tulsa Zoo confirmed the elephants’ move. Officials have not publicly explained who decided to remove Tina and Billy so quietly. The lack of information sparked more questions among zoo visitors and animal advocates. People want clear answers about the elephants’ health and future home. The silence from both zoos only added to the mystery and frustration around this situation.

Earlier Plans Announced to Move Elephants to Tulsa Zoo

Back in April, the LA Zoo publicly stated their plan to relocate Tina and Billy to Tulsa. The Tulsa Zoo has a recently expanded Elephant Experience and Preserve. It offers a larger and more natural environment for elephants. Zoo officials said the move aims to improve the animals’ quality of life. They promised Tina and Billy would live alongside more elephants in Tulsa. This relocation would let them enjoy bigger spaces and a social setting closer to their needs.

Community Pushback and Lawsuit Against the Move

The relocation plan upset many people in Los Angeles. John Kelly, a local resident, filed a lawsuit against Zoo Director Denise Verret. His complaint reflected concerns raised by animal rights groups. Activists have fought for years to move Tina and Billy to an accredited wildlife sanctuary, not another zoo. They argue sanctuaries offer better care and more freedom. The lawsuit hoped to stop the relocation, claiming it harms the elephants’ welfare. Despite these efforts, a judge denied a request to pause the move with a temporary restraining order.

Judge Allows LA Zoo to Proceed With Moving Elephants

The court decision came just last week. The judge refused to block the zoo from transferring Tina and Billy. This ruling cleared the way for the elephants to leave Los Angeles. The judge’s denial frustrated protesters and animal advocates. They hoped the court would protect the elephants from relocation. The ruling showed the court supported the zoo’s authority in managing its animals.

Background: Tina and Billy’s Lives Before Relocation

Billy, now 40 years old, was not born at the LA Zoo. He came from Malaysia and arrived in Los Angeles when he was four. Tina, aged 59, used to perform in a circus before joining the zoo as an adult. Their life stories differ from common assumptions. Many believe Billy lived his whole life at the LA Zoo, but he has an international history. Tina’s circus past raises questions about her experience and wellbeing before zoo life.

Elephant Deaths Spark Reevaluation of Exhibit

The zoo started to reconsider its elephant exhibit after two deaths in recent years. Jewel died at age 61 in 2023. Shaunzi passed away in 2024 at age 53. Zoo officials said both deaths resulted from declining health issues unrelated to zoo care or enclosure conditions. These losses affected the zoo’s decision to change how they manage elephants. Officials want to prevent more deaths and improve care for Tina and Billy.

Tulsa Zoo Offers Larger Space and More Elephants

The Tulsa Zoo currently houses five Asian elephants. Their facility covers 17 acres. It includes a huge barn of over 36,000 square feet. The preserve offers more than 10 acres of wooded natural habitat. Compared to LA Zoo’s smaller enclosure, this space is much larger and more natural. Zoo staff hope this environment will meet Tina and Billy’s needs better and give them a more social life with other elephants.

Debate Over Tulsa Zoo’s Elephant Preserve as a True Sanctuary

Some animal rights groups criticize the Tulsa Zoo’s Elephant Experience and Preserve. They call it a “fancy name” for a bigger zoo enclosure. These groups want the elephants moved to a wildlife sanctuary instead. They believe sanctuaries provide better freedom and care. Despite this criticism, LA Zoo officials say the move to Tulsa will improve the elephants’ lives. They emphasize the chance for Tina and Billy to live in a larger, more natural group setting.