Judge Denies Halt to LA Zoo Elephant Transfer

A Los Angeles judge denied a temporary restraining order to prevent the transfer of aging elephants Billy and Tina from the LA Zoo to the Tulsa Zoo, after a lawsuit by a local resident who advocated for their relocation to a sanctuary. Animal rights activists argue the Tulsa Zoo's new 17-acre elephant preserve is still inadequate compared to a sanctuary, and they continue to voice concerns about the elephants' welfare. The LA Zoo maintains that the transfer is in the elephants' best interest, provides more space, and that all communications about the move have been truthful. The judge stated the matter should be handled by the Los Angeles City Council and Mayor Karen Bass, leading advocates to push for city intervention. Past elephant deaths and ongoing health concerns at the LA Zoo have intensified the debate, with some sanctuary options reportedly available at no cost to the city. The situation highlights a broader, longstanding dispute over the care of captive elephants and the roles of zoos versus sanctuaries.