But Lerner says her client wasn't happy when he found out that the elephants were being sent to another zoo enclosure. "The situation there has been ongoing for many years.

For the record: 12:25 p.m. May 21, 2025 An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated the size of the elephant enclosure at the Tulsa Zoo. It is about 17 acres.

The L.A. Zoo announced its decision to move elephants Billy, 40, and Tina, 59, to the Tulsa Zoo last month, frustrating animal rights advocates who have argued they should be retired in a sanctuary.

A move to a sanctuary was considered, but the Tulsa Zoo was the top recommendation based on the standards of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Elephant Species Survival Plan, the L.A. Zoo said.

Topical Plan to move elephants from Los Angeles to Tulsa Zoo incurs wrath of activists May 14, 2025 Updated Jun 20, 2025 1 ...

L.A. Zoo’s elephant enclosure appears empty amid relocation saga Billy, a 40-year-old male elephant, has been living in an enclosure at the L.A. Zoo since 1989 when he was 4.

The zoo also said Mayor Karen Bass "inquired" about moving the elephants to a sanctuary, but that the decision was made at the recommendation of the AZA and its Elephant Species Survival Plan.

The elephant enclosure at the Los Angeles Zoo appeared to be empty Tuesday, prompting concerns from activists wondering if Billy and Tina, the aging inhabitants, were transferred to another zoo.

12:25 p.m. May 21, 2025: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated the size of the elephant enclosure at the Tulsa Zoo. It is about 17 acres. Despite a stream of steady protests and ...