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LA Zoo elephants pack their trunks for Oklahoma
Billy the elephant, in 2009.
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David McNew
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Getty Images
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Topline:
Billy and Tina, the last two remaining Asian elephants at the L.A. Zoo, are relocating to the zoo in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Why they’re leaving: Over the last two years, Billy and Tina's elephant compatriots Jewel (61) and Shaunzi were euthanized due to health issues. That left the L.A. Zoo’s elephant program below socialization and gender standards set by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. The L.A. Zoo said that because there are not enough Asian elephants to acquire and expand its own program, Billy and Tina must be relocated. The zoo said the decision wasn't budgetary. (We trust they won’t forget their home here.)
The backstory: Tina is 59 years old and Billy is 40. Billy came to the zoo when he was 4 as Malaysia relocated elephants that were damaging palm oil and rubber plantations. Tina arrived from the San Diego Zoo in 2010.
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When to go visit: Billy and Tina's departure date has not been set. The L.A. Zoo is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; the last entry is at 3:45 p.m. because the animals start their nighttime routine at 4 p.m. Find ticket info here.
More zoo animals:
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