Since the Los Angeles Zoo announced that its pair of Asian elephants would be relocated to the Tulsa Zoo, a long-standing controversy has only intensified. Protests, online petitions, and even a private lawsuit backed by Cher herself called for Billy and Tina’s new home to be a sanctuary. Despite the public outcry, the decision to move them to another zoo remained firm, and on May 21, during an overnight operation, the elephants were transferred to Oklahoma.
Amid the ongoing backlash, the Los Angeles Zoo has decided to share the details of its decision. On the Elephant FAQs page of the zoo’s official website, the institution addresses some of the most pressing questions raised by animal rights advocates and elephant lovers. The most important one, by far, being Why the L.A. Zoo opted for another Zoo instead of a sanctuary for Billy and Tina.
The L.A. Zoo’s website explains that they dedicated nearly a year to carefully reviewing all possible options, including moving the pair to a sanctuary. The final decision to transfer the elephants to the Tulsa Zoo was made in close coordination with the AZA’s Elephant Species Survival Plan (SSP) and Taxon Advisory Group (TAG). These associations are national panels of elephant experts who help guide the management and welfare of elephants in AZA-accredited institutions.
After evaluating a range of factors (such as available space, quality of facilities, staff expertise, and herd dynamics) the SSP presented several suitable placement options. Among them, the Tulsa Zoo was identified as the most favorable choice.
Billy and Tina will be joining a herd of five other Asian elephants: two males and three females at the Tulsa Zoo. Their new home includes 17 acres of dedicated elephant space, with access to a recently built barn and a 10-acre wooded area that’s part of a federally protected wetland, away from public view. The habitat also features indoor and outdoor spaces where visitors can observe the elephants and learn about their behavior and care.
If you have any more questions or concerns about the elephants’ transfer and their current condition, we encourage you to contact the L.A. Zoo or Tulsa Zoo directly.