Sponsored message
Logged in as
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen
  • Listen Now Playing Listen

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.

News

Hundreds Turn Out to City Hall Over Elephants, Bob Barker Speaks Out

This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.

In what could be one of the largest public turnouts for a city council meeting in years, former Price is Right host Bob Barker was the first to comment on the Los Angeles Zoo elephant controversy a minute before 11 a.m. this morning.

"Let's do get Billy out of that zoo," Barker said followed by a loud rousing applause from people in the council chambers. "Let's do close the elephant exhibit at the zoo," he said noting that zoos all over the world are doing just that. "Let's do eventually get that sanctuary. That's a good idea!"

So many people turned out to today's meeting that the room is beyond capacity. Council President Eric Garcetti this was the largest pile of public comment cards he's seen since taking office.

Photo by Heather on the go! via LAist Featured Photos on Flickr

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 from readers like you 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

Make your tax-deductible donation today