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yesterday

Cher Backs Lawsuit to Halt L.A. Zoo Elephants' Transfer to Tulsa

The legal battle seeks to explore sanctuary options for Billy and Tina as the Los Angeles Zoo's relocation plan faces growing opposition.

Elephants Tina and Jewel pictured in Los Angeles Zoo, California, on April 5, 2018. Jewel has subsequently died, but Tina and and the zoo's other remaining elephant Billy are due to moved to a zoo in Tulsa.
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Overview

  • Cher has filed a court declaration supporting a lawsuit to block the transfer of the Los Angeles Zoo’s two remaining elephants, Billy and Tina, to the Tulsa Zoo.
  • The lawsuit, filed by resident John Kelly, accuses the zoo of misleading the public about the nature of Tulsa Zoo’s expanded elephant preserve, claiming it is not a true sanctuary.
  • The Los Angeles Zoo announced plans in late April 2025 to move the elephants to Tulsa, but the transfer is currently on hold pending City Council review and contract finalization.
  • Animal welfare advocates, including Cher, argue that Billy and Tina deserve to retire in a sanctuary offering natural terrain and freedom, citing successful relocations like the Free the Wild charity’s work with Kaavan in Cambodia.
  • City Council hearings and motions are underway to evaluate alternative sanctuary options, with no timeline yet established for a final decision.