Billy & Tina's ZOO PROTEST

Next protest at the LA Zoo: SUNDAY, April 12 from 10 to 12 noon. The Los Angeles Zoo made the decision last year to get rid of its remaining elephants Billy and Tina. It claims the reason was because it was not complying with AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) standards which mandate keeping at least 3 elephants to make a "herd." This is one reason zoos often permanently loan elephants out to other zoos. But LA didnt decide to seek another elephant, it decided to ship them off to Tulsa Zoo instead. The zoo is now claiming its elephant exhibit is now "on pause." Who knows what factors really went into its decision? Elephants are expensive and the zoo is having money probs. Its fundraising organization cut ties with the zoo last year because of zoo director Denise Verret's mishandling of donations. Also the zoo put down two elephants in a space of 12 months. That brought unwanted public scrutiny. Or maybe it's that elephants are highly intelligent animals with complex physical and psychological needs that the zoo was finally recognizing it could not meet. After all, a judge once damningly stated in a lawsuit decision that the zoo did not know what it was doing with its elephants. Or perhaps it got sick of us activists loudly and disruptively protesting outside its iron gates week in and week out, demanding the elephants be sent to sanctuary. Whatever the reason Billy and Tina were coldheartedly sent to bleak Tulsa Zoo instead of to the healing haven of sanctuary. Shame on the LA Zoo. The photo shows Billy glumly walking between closed barn doors in a desolate enclosure. Join us at the Los Angeles Zoo as we now advocate for a Los Angles policy prohibing holding of any elephants within city limits!SUNDAY, April 12 from 10 to 12 noon / LA Zoo / 5333 Zoo Drive / Free parking. Whether you want to hold a sign, chant, do speakouts, take photos and videos, bang a drum, hand out flyers or talk to zoo goers, we have a place for you with our team. The animals need you! Flyers and posters are provided but we welcome handmade signs as well! YES megaphones, NO talking to cops. #zoosarejails#elephantsdontbelonginzoos#notanotherzoo #freeBillyandTina #freeBillytheelephant