VFTA Blog

In the final part of our series on Dr. Ensley’s critical findings, we explore the most recent report, which exposes the dire circumstances facing Billy and Tina, the last remaining elephants at the LA Zoo. Years of poor conditions and mistreatment have led to severe physical and mental suffering, with two elephants passing in the last year alone. Dr. Ensley urges immediate action to relocate Billy and Tina to a sanctuary before it’s too late. Read more to understand why these elephants need our help now.

Dear Wonderful Supporters,

In this follow-up report, Dr. Ensley reiterates that Billy’s environment continues to worsen his health, with persistent foot issues, stereotypic behaviors, and unsuitable living conditions. The report also reveals troubling health declines among female elephants Tina, Jewel, and Shaunzi due to inadequate care.

Since Dr. Ensley's report, two elephants, Shaunzi and Jewel, have died at the Los Angeles Zoo. Had the LA Zoo listened to Dr. Ensley's warning that relocation to a sanctuary was essential, Jewel and Schaunzi would be alive today.

Dear Wonderful Supporters,

All of you want to hear fact instead of fiction, truth instead of lies. Here is the first of three reports by Dr. Ensley, a world-renowned expert on elephants in captivity. 

In this first installment of a three-part series, we examine Dr. Philip Ensley's eye-opening 2020 report about Billy, the LA Zoo's bull elephant. Billy suffers from repetitive behaviors like head-bobbing and swaying—classic signs of mental and physical distress caused by his environment. Learn more about what Billy endures and why urgent action is needed to relocate him to a sanctuary where he can finally thrive.

The Untold Story:
The History of Elephants in Captivity And Specifically at the LA Zoo