Overview

• Los Angeles Superior Court Judge James C. Chalfant denied a temporary restraining order to block the transfer of elephants Billy and Tina to the Tulsa Zoo's 17-acre preserve.
• The court deferred the matter to the Los Angeles City Council, where Councilman Bob Blumenfield has introduced motions to explore alternative sanctuary options.
• The LA Zoo defends the move, citing its commitment to the animals' health and wellbeing, and denies allegations of misrepresentation regarding the Tulsa facility.
• Advocates, including plaintiff John Kelly and attorney Melissa Lerner, argue the elephants should be sent to a true sanctuary rather than another zoo environment.
• No relocation date has been set, and the dispute now involves potential contractual liabilities with the Tulsa Zoo and San Diego Zoo, which owns Tina.