(Thechieftainspear) – The Los Angeles Zoo’s recent decision to transfer two of its aging Asian elephants to another zoo rather than a sanctuary is drawing strong criticism from animal rights organizations.
Tina, a 59-year-old female elephant, and Billy, a 40-year-old male, will be moved to the Tulsa Zoo in Oklahoma, according to zoo officials. The choice was made following a year-long review of the zoo’s elephant program. The destination: the zoo’s newly expanded Elephant Experience and Preserve, which officials say will provide a high standard of care.
However, advocates argue that the animals deserve a different kind of retirement—one that can only be found in a sanctuary setting. The nonprofit group In Defense of Animals (IDA) issued a statement expressing disappointment, stating the elephants should be sent to a place where their autonomy and comfort in their senior years are the top priority.
“It’s a heartbreaking decision,” said Courtney Scott, an elephant consultant with IDA, in an interview with KTLA. “We’ve pushed for them to go to a sanctuary where they can truly live out their final years in peace.”
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According to IDA, supporters made thousands of pleas urging the city and zoo to relocate the elephants to a sanctuary. They also raised ongoing concerns about the health of both animals, citing chronic conditions such as arthritis and foot and joint disease—ailments made worse by decades spent in confined enclosures.
The L.A. Zoo defended its decision, insisting the move was based solely on the animals’ health and wellbeing. “Every choice we make is driven by our deep responsibility to the animals in our care,” zoo officials said.
Still, the deaths of two other elephants at the L.A. Zoo over the past two years have fueled doubts about the institution’s ability to provide a suitable environment for such large, intelligent creatures. For advocates, it’s further proof that captivity—even with the best intentions—comes at too high a cost.
“It’s time to retire the outdated practice of holding wildlife in captivity,” said Kiersten Cluster of Elephant Guardians of L.A. “These elephants deserve more than another enclosure.”
Cluster added that hope isn’t lost just yet. There’s a possibility the Los Angeles City Council could intervene and redirect the elephants to a sanctuary after all.
“This fight is far from over,” she said. “We’re not giving up.”
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