Amid protests and legal actions from local animal rights activists, supported by figures like Cher herself, the Asian elephants from L.A. are now settled in their new home. While better conditions have been promised, it is not the sanctuary that animal advocates have been demanding.
In April, news broke that the elephants would be relocated to the Tulsa Zoo, marking the end of the local zoo’s Asian elephant program. This decision sparked significant controversy and legal challenges from those who believe the best place for the pair is a sanctuary.
Finally, according to the L.A. Times, on May 21st, the elephants began their journey in a nighttime operation. An Instagram post from the Tulsa Zoo welcoming them stated: “The 26-hour road trip included breaks every couple of hours for hay, cantaloupe, romaine, and water. Their accompanying care team said both elephants were calm and ate and drank well at each stop.”
BIlly (40) and Tina (59) will soon move to a 17-acre complex that includes a 36,650-square-foot barn and a 10-acre wooded preserve, providing a significantly more spacious and enriching environment. The relocation aims to enhance their social interactions and overall well-being.