Activists fight for 2 beloved L.A. Zoo elephantsActivists, and a new lawsuit are all advocating for two beloved elephants amidst rumors that the Los Angeles Zoo is secretly going to ship them away. KTLA's Gene Kang reports live |
This week, a powerful lawsuit was filed that could change the fate of two elephants—Billy and Tina—who have been suffering in captivity at the Los Angeles Zoo for far too long.
Filed on behalf of John Kelly by Melissa Lerner of Lavely & Singer, the lawsuit demands that Billy and Tina be released to a legitimate elephant sanctuary—one with open space, natural terrain, and, most importantly, other elephants, AND NOT TO ANOTHER ZOO.
Why This Lawsuit Matters
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Billy has been at the LA Zoo for over 30 years.
He exhibits repetitive head-bobbing—a recognized indicator of zoochosis, or psychological trauma in captive animals. -
Tina is kept alone, in direct contradiction to what scientists and veterinarians know about elephant social needs.
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Both elephants are aging, and their health is deteriorating.
Without intervention, they face the very real risk of dying in the zoo’s confined and unnatural conditions.
What This Legal Action Seeks
This lawsuit argues that the LA Zoo did not tell the truth. They claimed they are sending Billy and Tina to a preserve when, in actuality Tulsa Zoo is just another zoo! It seeks a court order to stop the zoo from sending them to the Tulsa Zoo and arrange their transfer to a true sanctuary—one that meets the complex physical, emotional, and social needs of elephants.
A Chance at Life
Sanctuaries like PAWS (Performing Animal Welfare Society) in Northern California offer wide open spaces, companionship, and the dignity of a natural life. Billy and Tina deserve that chance.
Download the Full Lawsuit (PDF):
📄 Click here to view or download the legal filing.
What You Can Do:
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Share this story. Help others learn the truth about what’s happening at the LA Zoo.
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Follow us on social media for real-time updates.
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Join us to protect all animals from cruelty and neglect.
This lawsuit is just the beginning—but it’s a hopeful one. With your help, we can ensure Billy and Tina’s next chapter is one of freedom, not further suffering.
Please email and call the LA Mayor and every councilmember and the City Controller to tell them to stop the transfer and send the elephants to a sanctuary.
>>Contact the Mayor<<
City Controller Kenneth Mejia |
[email protected] |
213-978-7211 |
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| Council District | Councilmember | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CD 1 | Eunisses Hernandez | [email protected] | 213-473-7001 |
| CD 2 | Adrin Nazarian | [email protected] | 213-473-7002 |
| CD 3 | Bob Blumenfield | [email protected] | 213-473-7003 |
| CD 4 | Nithya Raman | [email protected] | 213-473-7004 |
| CD 5 | Katy Yaroslavsky | [email protected] | 213-473-7005 |
| CD 6 | Imelda Padilla | [email protected] | 213-473-7006 |
| CD 7 | Monica Rodriguez | [email protected] | 213-473-7007 |
| CD 8 | Marqueece Harris-Dawson | [email protected] | 213-473-7008 |
| CD 9 | Curren Price, Jr. | [email protected] | 213-473-7009 |
| CD 10 | Heather Hutt | [email protected] | 213-473-7010 |
| CD 11 | Traci Park | [email protected] | 213-473-7011 |
| CD 12 | John Lee | [email protected] | 213-473-7012 |
| CD 13 | Hugo Soto-Martinez | [email protected] | 213-473-7013 |
| CD 14 | Ysabel Jurado | [email protected] | 213-473-7014 |
| CD 15 | Tim McOsker | [email protected] | 213-473-7015 |
Special thanks to Melissa Lerner, Esq. with Lavely and Singer for filing this lawsuit!
Voice For The Animals Foundation
Justice. Compassion. Freedom.
www.vftafoundation.org