Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
City Council to Consider Elephant Sanctuary Today
Photo by Anikia Malone via Flickr
Billy, the one elephant at the Los Angeles Zoo is said to have some pathological problems, an expert said yesterday. LAist commenters agreed. "Every single time I've been to the zoo here the elephant has been doing the same thing. Bobbing his head and sort of rocking side to side," one wrote. "Anyone that looks can see the space is tiny and boring. It's like watching the super depressing chained elephant scenes from Dumbo."
"He also walks in circles. It's really sad to watch," another chimed in.
A $40 million 6-acre exhibit is set to open next year. The new Pachyderm Forest can hold up to five adult Asian elephants and three of their offspring. Officials say the exhibit will be spacious--three and a half acres will be available for them to roam around along with two pools and a waterfall.
Councilman Tony Cardenas wants to shut down the construction of the Pachyderm Forest and search for a 60-acre wildlife sanctuary for elephants. The idea was not approved by a City Council Committee last month.
In New York City, the Bronx Zoo will close their elephant exhibit if one or two of the three elephants die, citing that "only two elephants alone might be uneasy (three's is company) and only one elephant in the exhibit is 'inhumane,'" Gothamist reported in 2006. Here in Los Angeles, Billy is the only elephant.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
