Billy and Tina moved to Tulsa Zoo despite sanctuary advocates' pleas

In the United States, the last two remaining Asian elephants at the Los Angeles Zoo, Billy and Tina, were transferred to the Tulsa Zoo amid considerable controversy. The move took place under the cover of darkness in May 2025 to avoid protests from animal advocates. This decision sparked significant outrage, as advocates were fighting to have the elephants relocated to a suitable sanctuary instead of another zoo, citing concerns about the suitability of their new enclosure for aging elephants. Activists argued that sanctuaries offer a more natural environment with ample space, contrasting the continued confinement in zoo settings. The Los Angeles Zoo announced the transfer decision last month despite a pending lawsuit by the Nonhuman Rights Project, which aimed to prevent the move and advocate for the elephants' retirement to a sanctuary. This group argues that keeping elephants in smaller enclosures negatively impacts their health and well-being. The Los Angeles Zoo stated that the transfer was necessary due to the presence of other Asian elephants at the Tulsa Zoo, suggesting socialization with a larger group would be beneficial for Billy and Tina's well-being as they age. In addition to the lawsuit from the Nonhuman Rights Project, another lawsuit filed by a local resident attempted to halt the transfer, but the judge denied a temporary restraining order. Notably, the singer Cher has publicly supported the elephants, stating through a declaration that they have spent enough time in confinement and deserve to live out their years in peace and dignity. Activists believe that the continuing trend of transferring elephants from one zoo to another does not address their needs and stresses the importance of alternatives that allow them to thrive in more natural settings. The debate over the transfer highlights broader issues surrounding the ethical treatment of elephants in zoos across the United States. Many animal rights groups argue that urban zoos lack adequate space for elephants, which roam extensive distances in the wild. Some larger zoos have altered their programs, shifting their elephants to sanctuaries as they recognize the limitations of their environments. The key issue remains whether keeping elephants in modern zoos can genuinely meet their health, social, and psychological needs, or if these animals would be better served in sanctuaries that replicate their natural habitats more closely.