Support Councilman Koretz’s Motion to Free Billy the Elephant From the Los Angeles Zoo! 

Los Angeles Councilman Paul Koretz has introduced a motion to have Billy, the LA Zoo’s lone male bull elephant, safely transported to a sanctuary. The inadequate conditions that Billy has been forced to live in, despite costly renovations to the Elephants of Asia exhibit at the Zoo, continue to impact his physical and psychological well-being. We are also asking for the two female elephants at the Zoo, Tina and Jewel, to also be sent to a certified sanctuary.

Billy was abducted from his mother and family in Malaysia as an infant, and acquired by the Los Angeles Zoo in 1989. For the Zoo’s inhumane breeding program, Billy has been forced to endure over 55 highly invasive procedures to collect his semen for the purpose of artificially inseminating females at other zoos to breed baby elephants.

Billy deserves a better life, and now is his chance to have it with your help!

The motion to free Billy must pass its first vote with the Arts, Parks & River Committee.

What YOU Can Do

1) Call the LA Councilmembers of the Arts, Parks & River Committee to urge their support on the motion to have Billy sent ONLY to an accredited GFAS (Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries) sanctuary. While you’re calling, please ask them to do the same for the two remaining female elephants, Tina & Jewel, as well!

Councilman Mitch O’Farrell  213-473-7013

Councilman Curren Price  213-473-7009

Councilman Bob Blumenfield  213-473-7003

Councilman David Ryu  213-473-7004

Councilman Paul Koretz  213-473-7005 (please thank him for introducing this motion!) 

2) Submit our letter which can be found on this page - it will send an email to every member of the Committee as well as the City Clerk and the Legislative Assistant to the Committee.