LOS ANGELES (April 22, 2025) — In Defense of Animals is disappointed that the Los Angeles Zoo has announced it’s sending its two ailing Asian elephants Billy and Tina to the Elephant Experience and Preserve at the Tulsa Zoo, despite thousands of calls to send them to sanctuary. 

The Los Angeles Zoo was named the number one zoo on In Defense of Animals’ annual list of the 10 Worst Zoos for Elephants in 2024 for the second consecutive year and ninth time overall for failing to send Billy, 40, and Tina, 59, to sanctuary where their care and autonomy would be prioritized.  

Serious concerns have continued to be raised about Billy and Tina, who are suffering from severe medical conditions including foot and joint disease and chronic arthritis. Both display profound zoochosis, which is marked by repetitive behaviors such as swaying, bobbing, and pacing that are clear signs of psychological trauma and brain damage. 

“Thousands of people have joined us in calling for Billy and Tina’s freedom. It’s disheartening the zoo has failed to listen and honor them with the sanctuary retirement they deserve,” said Courtney Scott, Elephant Consultant for In Defense of Animals. “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. We are committed to keep advocating for more zoos, including the LA Zoo, to make the progressive decision to permanently close their exhibits as 38 other zoos have already done, including six in California..” 

The Tulsa Zoo was named among the 10 Worst Zoos in 2022 over a lack of space, even with renovations, for the three elephants who were there at the time. There are now five, and Billy and Tina will make seven. 

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Images: https://bit.ly/BillyTina

Contact: Courtney Scott, courtney@idausa.org, 503-288-6142

The 10 Worst Zoos for Elephants in North America list was first published in 2004, and for the past 20 years, In Defense of Animals has shone a spotlight on zoos that condemn elephants to lifetimes of deprivation, disease, and early death. Over the years, the 10 Worst Zoos list has been featured by hundreds of media outlets, including the Daily Mail, Esquire, and the New York Times and it has garnered the support of celebrities like Bill Maher, Sarah Silverman, Jorja Fox, Moby, Harley Quinn Smith, and Ricky Gervais. Learn how the list is determined and explore two decades of rankings at www.idausa.org/10worstzoos

In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization with over 250,000 supporters and a history of fighting for animals, people, and the environment through education and campaigns, as well as hands-on rescue facilities in California, India, South Korea, and rural Mississippi since 1983. www.idausa.org/elephants

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