Last Chance for Animals Advocates for Elephants' Transfer to Sanctuary Instead of Tulsa Zoo
Last Chance for Animals (LCA), a prominent animal rights organization, has recently shown robust support for Bob Blumenfield, a Los Angeles City Councilmember, who is pushing to halt the transfer of two elephants, Billy and Tina, from the Los Angeles Zoo to the Tulsa Zoo. The group firmly believes that both elephants should be relocated to a reputable sanctuary instead, where their complex requirements can be adequately addressed and fulfilled.
On April 25, 2025, Councilmember Blumenfield introduced a motion expressing his wish to pause the planned transfer, urging the council to seriously consider sending the elephants to a sanctuary that offers significantly more room and a more natural setting conducive to their healing. This comes in the wake of rising public concern over the historical treatment of elephants at the L.A. Zoo, which is often described by activists as an ‘elephant graveyard’ due to its troubling record of elephant tragedies since it opened in 1966.
LCA, under the guidance of its founder and president, Chris DeRose, has been at the forefront of advocating against the captivity of elephants. Since its inception in 1984, the organization has engaged in numerous protests and legal actions to champion the cause for elephants, promoting their sanctuary initiative. Chris DeRose himself made headlines in 2005 when he staged a daring protest by handcuffing himself to the exhibit of an elephant named Gita to shed light on the deplorable conditions those animals were forced to endure.
Both Billy and Tina have shown signs of psychological distress due to decades of confinement, exhibiting behaviors like swaying, bobbing, and rocking. These stereotypic actions are clear indicators of the emotional and psychological toll inflicted upon them by their time spent in captivity. Tina, captured from the wild, was born in Asia in 1966 and eventually landed at the L.A. Zoo in 2010 after a stint in the circus. Billy, on the other hand, was born in Malaysia in 1985 and has been in the Los Angeles Zoo since 1989.
In a heartfelt statement, DeRose emphasized that sending these elephants from one zoo to another only prolongs the cycle of deprivation they have experienced for far too long. He noted that sanctuaries provide the necessary space, natural habitats, and social structures essential for elephants to thrive and live a semblance of the lives they were destined to lead.
Councilmember Blumenfield has consistently been a staunch supporter of animal welfare, and his current motion marks a significant step toward reducing the suffering endured by these elephants. On Sunday, April 27, local activists and members of the public plan to hold a peaceful demonstration at the L.A. Zoo, advocating once again for the transfer of Billy and Tina to an elephant sanctuary. Their efforts highlight the growing movement against animal captivity and the demand for a more compassionate approach towards wildlife.
The Last Chance for Animals organization remains dedicated to raising awareness and educating the public on the rights of animals. By shining a light on cases like that of Billy and Tina, LCA hopes to inspire others to make positive changes in their communities for the welfare of all animals.
For more information about LCA and how to get involved, you can visit their website at https://lcanimal.org. As they push forward with their campaign and fight against animal exploitation, they continue to pave the way for a future that respects and values the lives of all creatures.
On April 25, 2025, Councilmember Blumenfield introduced a motion expressing his wish to pause the planned transfer, urging the council to seriously consider sending the elephants to a sanctuary that offers significantly more room and a more natural setting conducive to their healing. This comes in the wake of rising public concern over the historical treatment of elephants at the L.A. Zoo, which is often described by activists as an ‘elephant graveyard’ due to its troubling record of elephant tragedies since it opened in 1966.
LCA, under the guidance of its founder and president, Chris DeRose, has been at the forefront of advocating against the captivity of elephants. Since its inception in 1984, the organization has engaged in numerous protests and legal actions to champion the cause for elephants, promoting their sanctuary initiative. Chris DeRose himself made headlines in 2005 when he staged a daring protest by handcuffing himself to the exhibit of an elephant named Gita to shed light on the deplorable conditions those animals were forced to endure.
Both Billy and Tina have shown signs of psychological distress due to decades of confinement, exhibiting behaviors like swaying, bobbing, and rocking. These stereotypic actions are clear indicators of the emotional and psychological toll inflicted upon them by their time spent in captivity. Tina, captured from the wild, was born in Asia in 1966 and eventually landed at the L.A. Zoo in 2010 after a stint in the circus. Billy, on the other hand, was born in Malaysia in 1985 and has been in the Los Angeles Zoo since 1989.
In a heartfelt statement, DeRose emphasized that sending these elephants from one zoo to another only prolongs the cycle of deprivation they have experienced for far too long. He noted that sanctuaries provide the necessary space, natural habitats, and social structures essential for elephants to thrive and live a semblance of the lives they were destined to lead.
Councilmember Blumenfield has consistently been a staunch supporter of animal welfare, and his current motion marks a significant step toward reducing the suffering endured by these elephants. On Sunday, April 27, local activists and members of the public plan to hold a peaceful demonstration at the L.A. Zoo, advocating once again for the transfer of Billy and Tina to an elephant sanctuary. Their efforts highlight the growing movement against animal captivity and the demand for a more compassionate approach towards wildlife.
The Last Chance for Animals organization remains dedicated to raising awareness and educating the public on the rights of animals. By shining a light on cases like that of Billy and Tina, LCA hopes to inspire others to make positive changes in their communities for the welfare of all animals.
For more information about LCA and how to get involved, you can visit their website at https://lcanimal.org. As they push forward with their campaign and fight against animal exploitation, they continue to pave the way for a future that respects and values the lives of all creatures.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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