Billy & Tina - It's Now or Never!

Cher speaks out for Billy - this video was created before Tina became a part of the equation

The Los Angeles Zoo has announced plans to relocate its two remaining Asian elephants, Billy and Tina, to the Tulsa Zoo in Oklahoma. This decision, made public on April 22, 2025, follows years of public debate and advocacy concerning the elephants' welfare.

Cher began actively advocating for the release of Billy the elephant from the Los Angeles Zoo in 2009. That year, she appeared before the Los Angeles City Council alongside other celebrities, including Lily Tomlin and Robert Culp, to urge the relocation of Billy to a sanctuary. Cher likened keeping Billy at the zoo to slavery, emphasising the elephant's distressing conditions.

In 2013, Cher intensified her efforts by offering $500,000 to facilitate Billy's transfer to the Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) sanctuary in San Andreas, California. She also mobilised her fanbase on social media to raise awareness about Billy's plight.

With Billy’s case at the forefront of her mind, when another elephant emerged from the woodwork in 2015, in dire need of relocation from Islamabad Zoo, Cher founded Free The Wild with Mark and Gina Nelthorpe-Cowne. Free The Wild was established specifically to end the suffering of wild animals in captivity, and while Cher would have loved for Billy to be Free The Wild’s first case, the charity focused on Kaavan, in Islamabad, as his situation was far worse than Billy’s and there was a clear exit strategy that would allow him to be moved to a sanctuary in Cambodia.

Four years after starting work on Kaavan, Cher’s advocacy for Billy continued, including a notable campaign in 2019 on World Elephant Day, where she and Free The Wild, Lily Tomlin, and other animal NGOs called for Billy's release to a sanctuary, highlighting concerns about his physical and psychological well-being.

Despite these efforts, the Los Angeles Zoo maintained its position, asserting that Billy was well cared for and that there were no plans to relocate him… until now.

Background on Billy and Tina

Billy: A 40-year-old male Asian elephant, Billy arrived at the L.A. Zoo in 1989 from Malaysia. His relocation was part of efforts to manage wild elephants displaced by habitat loss. Over the years, Billy has exhibited behaviours such as head bobbing, indicative of psychological distress. He also suffers from recurring foot problems, a common issue among captive elephants.

Tina: A 59-year-old female Asian elephant, Tina was brought to the L.A. Zoo in 2010 after being confiscated from private ownership by the USDA. She has a history of joint disease and osteoarthritis, conditions that have raised concerns among animal welfare advocates.

Reasons for the Move

The L.A. Zoo cites the inability to maintain a socially appropriate herd size as a primary reason for the relocation. Following the deaths of two other elephants, Jewel in 2023 and Shaunzi in 2024, the zoo determined that it could not meet the social and medical requirements outlined in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Accreditation Standards. Consequently, the zoo decided to pause its elephant program and relocate Billy and Tina to an environment where they can integrate with a larger herd.

While this sounds good, it isn’t all sunshine and rainbows as we explain below.

Why Tulsa Zoo?

The Tulsa Zoo has recently expanded its elephant facilities, including a 36,650-square-foot barn and a 10-acre wooded preserve. Currently home to five Asian elephants, the zoo offers a larger social group and more spacious environment for Billy and Tina. The decision to move the elephants to Tulsa was made in consultation with the AZA and its Elephant Species Survival Plan, aiming to provide the best care and social structure for the animals, while keeping the elephants within the zoo system.

The decision to move a mature, socially isolated bull elephant like Billy into a pre-existing herd environment is not straightforward—and may present serious welfare and management challenges, regardless of how "modern" or spacious the zoo’s facilities may be.

Why integration can be highly problematic for an elephant like Billy:

1. Social Isolation Trauma

Billy has spent nearly four decades in solitary confinement. In that time, he has:

Developed stereotypical behaviours (e.g., head-bobbing), indicating deep psychological stress.
Lacked proper socialisation with other elephants, especially bulls or mixed groups.
Likely atrophied certain social instincts, which are crucial for interpreting and responding appropriately to herd dynamics.

Integrating a psychologically fragile elephant into a social group—especially one already established with its own hierarchies—poses extreme emotional and behavioural risks.

2. Bull Elephant Dynamics In the wild:

Adult bulls are often solitary or form loose bachelor groups.
Bulls are typically excluded from matriarchal herds, especially during musth (periods of heightened testosterone and aggression).
Attempts to integrate mature bulls into matriarchal zoo herds have often failed or resulted in injury, severe stress or permanent separation.

Billy has no history of successful social bonding with other elephants, male or female, so introducing him into a zoo with five other elephants (of unknown compatibility) is biologically and ethically dubious.

3. Sanctuary vs Zoo Dynamics

Sanctuaries such as PAWS or The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee:

Offer hundreds to thousands of acres of roaming space.
Allow natural, voluntary social contact rather than forced integration.
Provide individualised care, especially for elephants with trauma or medical issues.
Do not breed elephants or put pressure on them to participate in social displays or breeding programs.

By contrast, zoos typically have limited acreage and are more focused on exhibit value, controlled breeding or display behaviours, which can increase stress in elephants like Billy who are socially compromised.

4. Confinement Repackaged

No matter how new the facility is, Tulsa Zoo is still a zoo—not a sanctuary.

A "10-acre wooded habitat" sounds impressive, but it’s minuscule compared to sanctuary ranges.
The expansion may be aimed more at visitor experience than true behavioural or psychological freedom for the elephants.

From an ethical and behavioural standpoint, forcing Billy into an unfamiliar herd in a confined zoo setting may create more harm than benefit. He requires:

Space, autonomy and environmental variety.
Slow, voluntary social reintegration, if any at all.
Psychological rehabilitation in a quiet, low-pressure, naturalistic environment—not another zoo exhibit, regardless of its size or budget.

Controversy and Advocacy for Sanctuary Relocation

Despite the planned move to Tulsa, Cher, Free The Wild, animal rights advocates from around the world and some members of the Los Angeles City Council have expressed disappointment that Billy and Tina are not being relocated to a sanctuary. Council member Bob Blumenfield filed a motion to pause the relocation, advocating for a thorough review of sanctuary options that offer more natural environments and greater autonomy for the elephants.

Introduced on April 23, 2025, Mr Blumenfield’s motion instructs zoo officials to provide a comprehensive report within 30 days detailing all relocation options for Billy and Tina. This includes evaluating U.S-based sanctuaries accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, such as the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee and the Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) in Northern California.

The motion explicitly directs that no relocation or commitments regarding the elephants' future be made until the City Council has thoroughly reviewed the report and voted on the matter. It is scheduled to be heard in an upcoming meeting of the council's Arts, Parks, Libraries and Community Enrichment Committee - the date for this meeting has not yet been set.

Organisations like In Defense of Animals have long criticised the L.A. Zoo's elephant program, citing inadequate conditions and the psychological distress observed in both Billy and Tina. They argue that sanctuaries would provide a more suitable environment for the elephants' physical and mental well-being.

If the planned relocation of Billy and Tina to the Tulsa Zoo is reconsidered, two prominent U.S.-based sanctuaries have been identified as suitable alternatives:

1. The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee (Hohenwald, TN)

Overview: Established in 1995, this sanctuary spans over 3,000 acres and is the largest natural-habitat refuge for elephants in North America.
Accreditation: Accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
Current Residents: Home to 12 elephants, including recent arrivals like Nicole from the San Antonio Zoo and Osh from the Oakland Zoo.
Facilities: Offers expansive, natural environments with diverse terrains, allowing elephants to engage in natural behaviours and socialise freely.
Relevance: Councilmember Bob Blumenfield's motion specifically cites this sanctuary as a potential relocation site for Billy and Tina, emphasising its capacity to meet their complex needs.

2. Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) Sanctuary (San Andreas, CA)

Overview: Founded in 1984, PAWS operates a 2,300-acre sanctuary dedicated to the care of retired and rescued performing animals, including elephant.
Accreditation: Accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS).
Facilities: Provides large, natural habitats with features like rolling hills, lakes and varied vegetation, promoting physical and psychological well-being.
Relevance: PAWS has previously offered to provide a home for Billy, highlighting its readiness to accommodate him and Tina.

Both sanctuaries are recognised for their commitment to elephant welfare, offering environments that prioritise space, autonomy and social opportunities for both males and females. The Los Angeles City Council's ongoing review, prompted by Council member Blumenfield's motion, aims to thoroughly assess these options to ensure the best outcome for Billy and Tina.

Current Status

As of now, no specific date has been set for the relocation of Billy and Tina to the Tulsa Zoo. The L.A. Zoo has stated that the move will occur later this year, allowing visitors some time to see the elephants before their departure.

The decision continues to be a topic of public discussion, balancing considerations of animal welfare, logistical feasibility and differing perspectives on the best environment for aging elephants.

Cher and Free The Wild along with a number of other animal NGOs have come forward to lend their support to Billy’s (and Tina) relocation to sanctuary. Cher has moved elephants before and knows of the substantial costs involved - and in this case, Billy and Tina’s move would be state-funded, meaning that tax-payers are footing the bill.

Estimated Cost of Relocating Billy and Tina to Tulsa Zoo

While exact figures will depend on the route, elephant behaviour, specific medical needs and staff availability, here is a conservative breakdown of the costs associated with transferring Billy and Tina to Tulsa Zoo, based on comparable elephant transfers in the U.S. and internationally:

Behavioral Conditioning & Crate Training (4–6 weeks, 2 elephants, 2 handlers per elephant
- $40,000 – $60,000
Custom Elephant Transport Crates (2 units)
- $80,000 – $100,000
Specialized Transport Trucks (with permits, fuel, and security escorts)
- $50,000 – $70,000
Veterinary Teams (pre-transfer exams, sedation, and travel)
- $20,000 – $30,000
On-site Elephant Experts (in LA and Tulsa)
- $15,000 – $25,000
Insurance, Permits, Contingency, Logistics, Zoo Staff Travel
- $20,000 – $40,000

TOTAL ESTIMATED COST = $225,000 – $325,000

Who Pays for This?

The Los Angeles Zoo is publicly funded by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.
Any major capital expense—like transporting two elephants—will ultimately draw from taxpayer-funded budgets, either directly or through city bond measures.
There has been no public commitment from Tulsa Zoo to front these costs.
No public tender or transparent bidding process appears to have been followed for evaluating cost-efficient alternatives.

The Alternative: Sanctuary Funding Already Offered

Cher and Free The Wild, alongside other advocacy organizations and private donors, have offered to fully cover the cost of relocating Billy and Tina to a sanctuary.
For example, philanthropist David Casselman (co-founder of Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary) has stated publicly that he would pay 100% of the relocation and lifetime care.
Sanctuaries like PAWS and The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee have expressed interest and readiness to take Billy and Tina.

This means taxpayers are being asked to fund a multi-hundred-thousand-dollar transfer to another zoo—when an ethical, fully-funded sanctuary relocation option is being ignored.

Two elephants. Over $300,000 in public funds. All to send them from one zoo to another—while world-renowned sanctuaries and private donors stand ready to foot the entire bill for a more humane, natural life.

Yet, LA’s taxpayers are being asked to pay for Billy and Tina’s transfer to another confined zoo—even as Cher, Free The Wild, and international elephant experts call for sanctuary. Not only is this ethically wrong—it’s fiscally irresponsible.

What Next?

Much of Billy and Tina’s future is in the hands of the LA and Tulsa Councils, but if we really want to see them go to a sanctuary, then it’s now or never. We need as many people as possible to sign the petition for Billy’s move to Sanctuary (it’s an old petition that was drawn up before Tina was introduced, but with over 800,000 signatures, it still holds a great deal of weight… so let’s try to get it over a million!)

Sign the petition to move Billy to Sanctuary: https://www.thepetitionsite.com/900/414/840/something-is-not-cool-at-the-los-angeles-zoo/

Write to LA and Tulsa Council members! The more letters of concern they receive, the more likely they will be to act on those concerns. As such, we have listed the most prominent figures of both councils and their contact details below, along with a templated email that you can copy and paste into your own email software and send:

Los Angeles City Council

Primary Contact:

Council member Bob Blumenfield: councilmember.blumenfield@lacity.org

Additional Key Council Members (optional to cc):

Paul Krekorian (Council President): councilmember.krekorian@lacity.org
Arts, Parks, Libraries and Community Enrichment Committee Clerk: clerk.artscommittee@lacity.org
General Public Comment Submission: cityclerk@lacity.org

Tulsa City Officials

While the Tulsa Zoo is operated by Tulsa Zoo Management, Inc., it exists in partnership with the City of Tulsa and the Tulsa Park and Recreation Board. Public concerns can be addressed to:

Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum: mayor@cityoftulsa.org
Tulsa City Council (General Inbox): info@tulsacouncil.org
Tulsa Zoo Public Contact: info@tulsazoo.org

Email template for council - please feel free to copy, paste and edit as you see fit!

Subject: Urgent Request: Relocate Billy and Tina to a Sanctuary, Not Another Zoo

Dear [Council member/Mayor/Committee Clerk],

My name is [YOUR NAME], and I am writing as a concerned citizen and advocate for elephant welfare regarding the planned relocation of Billy and Tina, the two remaining elephants at the Los Angeles Zoo.

Billy has spent nearly 40 years in isolation, and Tina suffers from chronic health issues. Moving these elderly elephants to the Tulsa Zoo—a facility that, while expanded, is still a zoo—will subject them to further confinement and social stress, particularly for Billy, a bull elephant long deprived of herd interaction. Integration into an unfamiliar zoo herd is not only biologically unnatural for a male of his age but also psychologically risky.

Sanctuaries such as The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee or PAWS in California have offered appropriate, expansive and species-appropriate habitats. Most importantly, philanthropists and advocacy groups—led by Free The Wild and supported by Cher—have offered to fund 100% of the relocation and lifelong care, sparing taxpayers from the projected $250,000–$350,000 relocation cost to Tulsa Zoo (plus ongoing maintenance).

To ignore these fully funded, ethically superior alternatives would be both fiscally irresponsible and morally indefensible.

I respectfully urge you to:

- Support Council member Blumenfield's motion to fully evaluate sanctuary options.

- Pause any relocation commitments until the City Council has reviewed the forthcoming report.

- Prioritise the well-being of Billy and Tina by choosing sanctuary over another zoo.

Sincerely,

[YOUR FULL NAME]

[OPTIONAL: Your City/State or Organisation Affiliation]

Share the word and spread awareness! The more people talking about Billy and Tina, the more conscious of their actions the LA Zoo, Tulsa Zoo and the councils will be. If we can show them that the world is watching, they will be more inclined to act accordingly.