Those opposed to the relocation of the elephants say they belong in a sanctuary and not another zoo.
A judge on Thursday declined a Los Angeles resident’s request for a restraining order that would have put a temporary stop on aLos Angeles Superior Court Judge James C. Chalfant said the issue would be better handled through the City Council rather than in the courts.
But in her own sworn declaration, LA Zoo Director Denise Verret says the zoo’s announcement about the transfer of Billy and Tina was “completely truthful and accurate. We were upfront that Billy and Tina are moving to another zoo — the Tulsa Zoo.” Following Thursday’s hearing, Kelly’s attorney, Melissa Lerner, told reporters the public should reach out to city officials and urge them to block the elephants’ transfer to Tulsa. She also said Mayor Karen Bass should step in and prevent the move.
Animal advocates have long called for the release of the elephants, whom they say suffer from “grave distress” and medical conditions due to the limited confines at the zoo. A claim the L.A. Zoo has denied. In an interview with City News Service on Tuesday, philanthropist and retired trial lawyer David Casselman spoke on the elephants’ situation. Casselman, who is also co-founder of the Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary and founder of the Ecoflix Foundation, has offered to pay for relocation of the elephants to his sanctuary.
Casselman criticized the zoo’s decision, adding the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is “for a lack of a better word, like a cult.”
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Judge denies emergency motion to stop transfer of L.A. Zoo elephants Billy and TinaA judge denied an emergency motion that would have halted the transfer of Billy and Tina the elephants from the L.A. Zoo to the Tulsa Zoo, instead of a sanctuary, where many advocates had hoped they would go.
Read more »
As L.A. resident sues zoo over Billy and Tina, Cher says elephants have 'served their time'Activists are urging the L.A. Zoo to stop plans to transfer the last remaining elephants, Billy and Tina, to another zoo instead of a sanctuary.
Read more »
Cher Says L.A. Zoo Elephants Billy & Tina Have Done Their Time, Should Be FreeCher’s stepping up for the L.A. Zoo elephants, saying they’ve been through enough -- and while their reported move to Oklahoma might offer more space, a zoo’s still a cage, just with a bigger backyard.
Read more »
LA Zoo being sued over plans to transfer elephants to Tulsa Zoo in OklahomaThe Los Angeles Zoo is being sued over plans to transfer its two remaining elephants, Billy and Tina, to the Tulsa Zoo.
Read more »
LA Zoo being sued over plans to move elephants to Tulsa ZooA Los Angeles resident is suing the LA Zoo director over plans to move elephants Billy and Tina to a Tulsa zoo instead of a sanctuary.
Read more »
LA Zoo being sued over plans to transfer elephants to Tulsa ZooA Los Angeles resident is suing the director of the Los Angeles Zoo over its plans to transfer Asian elephants Billy and Tina to another zoo in Tulsa instead of…
Read more »