Elephants Billy and Tina Moved from L.A. Zoo to Tulsa Zoo

Cher is likely to be outraged! The cherished elephants of the L.A. Zoo, Billy and Tina, whom she passionately advocated for, were stealthily taken from the zoo during the cover of night last evening, according to TMZ. This unexpected move raises concerns about the treatment of these magnificent creatures and the transparency of zoo operations.

Insiders from the L.A. Zoo have disclosed that Billy and Tina were removed around 1:30 AM on Tuesday. There are strong indications that they were prepared for transport to Tulsa Zoo, a controversial decision that has ignited protests, legal action, and an indignant letter addressed to L.A. Mayor Karen Bass. This letter, which has garnered signatures from Cher and numerous other celebrities, reflects widespread concern over the welfare of these elephants.

The L.A. Zoo’s elephant exhibit was noticeably empty on Tuesday morning, with no elephants in sight, no zookeepers present, and the electric perimeter fence turned off. These circumstances strongly suggest that Billy and Tina were already en route to Oklahoma, raising serious questions about the zoo’s protocols and the treatment of its animals.

According to our sources, the elephants were carefully placed into crates and loaded onto a semi-truck for transport to Tulsa Zoo. The duration of this journey remains uncertain, and there are growing concerns about the welfare of the elephants during transit, given the long distances involved.

We made multiple attempts to contact various officials at the L.A. Zoo for a statement, but none have responded. Additionally, L.A.’s Deputy Mayor, who oversees zoo operations, abruptly ended our call, leaving many unanswered questions regarding this controversial transfer.

Advocates have rallied around Billy and Tina for many years, as these two Asian elephants have been confined in an enclosure that is far too small to accommodate their needs. This longstanding issue highlights the challenges surrounding the care of elephants in captivity and the need for larger, more natural habitats.

Zoo officials claim that the elephants will have more space to roam once they arrive in Tulsa. However, as stated in a letter addressed to Mayor Bass, “it is nearly impossible to humanely keep elephants in traditional zoos.” This raises critical ethical concerns about the treatment and living conditions of elephants in captivity.