The Los Angeles Zoo is pausing its elephant programme and will relocate its two remaining Asian elephants to an expanded habitat at the Tulsa Zoo.
The decision to relocate male elephant Billy (40) and female elephant Tina (59) was made with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Los Angeles Zoo said in a statement.
Per the Los Angeles Times, the Los Angeles Zoo’s elephant programme has been criticised for many years due to its small enclosure, as well as its history of deaths and health challenges.
Following the move, the zoo will pause its elephant programme for the immediate future, but it will continue to support elephant conservation efforts.
Its Elephants of Asia exhibit will be reimagined for other suitable species and programming, the zoo confirmed.
The zoo spent the past year evaluating its elephant programme and all other options after the loss of Jewel (61) in 2023 and Shaunzi (53) in 2024.
“Both elephants were in declining health due to issues unrelated to the zoo’s enclosure or care and were ultimately euthanized due to age-related health issues,” the zoo said.
Los Angeles Zoo to reimagine elephant exhibit
In order to continue its elephant programme, the zoo would need to “bring in additional elephants in order to meet the social and gender requirements outlined in the AZA accreditation standards”.
Due to the limited number of Asian elephants in the AZA population, the Los Angeles Zoo is currently unable to create a larger social herd.
The Tulsa Zoo, also an AZA-accredited zoo, has recently expanded its elephant programme and facilities and is home to five Asian elephants.
Its 17-acre elephant complex includes a 36,650-square-foot elephant barn and a 10-plus-acre wooded elephant preserve.
Animal welfare organisation In Defense of Animals has called for the Los Angeles Zoo to send Billy and Tina to an elephant sanctuary instead of the Tusla Zoo.
“Thousands of people have joined us in calling for Billy and Tina’s freedom,” said Courtney Scott, elephant consultant for In Defense of Animals.
“It’s disheartening the zoo has failed to listen and honor them with the sanctuary retirement they deserve.
“We fervently hope that the tragic plight of Tina and Billy and what they have endured will  change hearts and minds about keeping elephants in captivity.”
Images courtesy of Los Angeles Zoo and Tulsa Zoo, lead image credit: Jamie Pham
