Activists and fans are expressing outrage after the Los Angeles Zoo transferred two Asian elephants, Billy and Tina, to the Tulsa Zoo in Oklahoma. The transfer occurred on Wednesday after the elephants were seen with shackles around their legs over the weekend.
The move has sparked controversy and lawsuits, although a judge denied a temporary restraining order to halt the transfer. Judie Mancuso, founder of Social Compassion in Legislation, expressed her disappointment, noting the broken hearts of many.
The L.A. Zoo confirmed that Billy and Tina arrived safely in Tulsa. Their new 17-acre habitat includes barns, renovated yards, and a ten-acre wooded preserve. The elephants were transported by truck in separate ventilated containers, with the cost of the move split between the two zoos.
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums requires accredited zoos to maintain a herd of at least three elephants. The L.A. Zoo no longer met this standard after the loss of two older elephants. The zoo stated the decision was made to ensure the health and wellbeing of the animals.