By Melya Kaplan, Founder & Executive Director, Voice For The Animals Foundation

The LA Zoo has announced plans to send Billy and Tina, the last two elephants at the zoo, to the Tulsa Zoo—a facility known for elephant breeding, not for providing the expansive, natural environments elephants need to thrive.

This decision ignores public outcry, scientific evidence, and basic compassion.

Sanctuaries offer elephants acres of soft earth, trees, hills, and rivers—environments that are essential to their mental and physical well-being. Zoos confine them to small enclosures with hard-packed surfaces, which lead to deadly foot and joint problems.

Councilmember Bob Blumenfield has introduced a motion to send Billy and Tina to a true sanctuary. In a recent hearing, he asked LA Zoo General Manager Denise Verret to delay the transfer until the City Council can vote on the motion. She refused.

This blatant disregard for the City Council’s authority—and for the will of the people—is unacceptable. The LA Zoo is part of the City of Los Angeles, and the Mayor must step in.

We are calling on Mayor Karen Bass to intervene immediately to stop this transfer and allow the motion to be heard.

📣 What You Can Do Right Now

✅ Step 1: Email Mayor Karen Bass

📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: 213-978-0600
📬 Mail:
Mayor Karen Bass
200 N Spring St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012

✍️ Copy and Paste This Sample Letter

Subject: Please Intervene to Save Billy and Tina

Dear Mayor Bass,

I am writing to ask that you urgently intervene on behalf of Billy and Tina, the two remaining elephants at the LA Zoo.

The zoo has announced its intent to send them to the Tulsa Zoo, a facility that breeds elephants. This decision ignores public sentiment and overwhelming scientific evidence showing that a true sanctuary—with wide open space, natural substrate, and freedom to roam—is far more humane and appropriate for elephants.

Councilmember Bob Blumenfield has introduced a motion calling for Billy and Tina to be sent to a sanctuary. During a recent Budget and Finance hearing, he asked General Manager Denise Verret to commit to holding off on the transfer until the City Council could vote on his motion. She refused.

The Zoo is a City-run institution and is ultimately governed by the City Council. Ms. Verret’s refusal to respect a Councilmember’s formal request is deeply troubling.

I respectfully ask that you intervene now and order that the elephants not be moved until the City Council has had the opportunity to vote on the motion.

The people of Los Angeles do not want more elephants confined in zoos. It’s time to do what is right—for Billy, for Tina, and for the city’s conscience.

Thank you for your leadership.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your City/Zip]

🎥 Watch the Short Film on Billy

👉 See why sanctuary is the only humane option for Billy:

Together, we can make history for these elephants. Please act now—and share this with everyone you know.

For the animals,
Melya Kaplan
Founder & Executive Director
Voice For The Animals Foundation
🌐 vftafoundation.org