Help Billy the elephant retire from the L.A. Zoo
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*********************************************
Billy's petition was submitted to the target as well as L.A City Councilmembers.
Sadly, the final decision came today, January 28, 2009, from the L.A. City Council to keep Billy and continue construction on the Pachyderm Forest.
"Cheers and applause erupted at City Hall on Wednesday as the Los Angeles City Council voted to continue construction of the Pachyderm Forest at the zoo, despite calls from opponents to abandon the project and move the zoo's lone elephant to a sanctuary."
Please click on the news link below for further details.
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING BILLY.
**********************************************************************************************************
Visit http://www.geocities.com/mjm333/animals.html or this petition for the latest updates on Billy. THANK YOU for your support!
Please see Billy's video taken at the Los Angeles Zoo on May 5, 2007 by clicking this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzXf9DSTOZk
******LATEST UPDATES******
January 2009 - Billy's Last Chance!!
Last Rally to Save Billy
What: Demo At the Los Angeles Zoo for Billy
WHEN: Saturday, January 24th, 11am
WHERE: Los Angeles Zoo, 5333 Zoo Drive, L.A. (in Griffith Park)
MEET: In front of main entrance; parking is free
Signs and flyers will be provided.
For more information, contact: Zoos or 323-301-5730.
WHAT: Arts, Parks, Health and Aging Committee meeting
WHEN: Tuesday, January 27th, 2:00pm
WHERE: L.A. City Hall, 200 N. Spring Street, L.A. 90012, John Ferraro Council Chamber, Room 340
**Please note that the time and room could change for this meeting. We'll send another email to confirm, but you can also visit http://www.lacity.org/ and check the "Council Calendar" which can be found on the right side of the web page under "L.A. City Council."
WHAT: FINAL L.A. City Council meeting and vote on shutting down the L.A. Zoo elephant exhibit
WHEN: Wednesday, January 28th, 10:00am
WHERE: L.A. City Hall, 200 N. Spring Street, L.A., 90012, John Ferraro Council Chamber, Room 340
SPEAK OUT: The public should be able to speak during public comment at the Arts, Parks, Health & Aging Committee meeting. However, we are not sure if people will be allowed to present public comment at the final City Council meeting. Please be prepared to speak for 1 minute during public comment on the motion. Keep your comments concise, positive, and focused on your support for closing down the elephant exhibit and sending Billy to a sanctuary. Arrive early enough to complete a public comment card.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP? Please go to http://www.helpbilly.org/howtohelp.html to attend the events above, call and write letters to city and county officials. WE NEED TO BE HIS VOICE!!
January 20, 2009
With celebrity fanfare, two elephant-size billboards will rise this morning, warning of danger to the L.A. Zoo's lone pachyderm.
http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_11507055
December 5, 2008
Video footage from The Today Show
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/28048369#28048369
December 3, 2008
Council Halts LA Zoo's Pachyderm Forest
http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Council-Halts-LA-Zoos-Pachyderm-Forest.html
December 2, 2008
"Who is Billy the Elephant and why should we care about him?"
http://www.examiner.com/x-1779-Los-Angeles-Pet-Rescue-Examiner~y2008m12d2-Who-is-Billy-the-elephant-and-why-should-you-care-about-him
**A Song for Billy: When Elephants Cry" by Mayuka Thais**
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zl-LQtOdEpg
May 23, 2008
The ruling is not final and the case is being appealed!
(news link no longer available)
May 13, 2008
Judge Throws Out Actor's Suit Over LA Zoo Elephant Exhibit
http://www.knbc.com/news/16253928/detail.html?rss=la&psp=news
February 15, 2008
Judge rejects actor's bid to stop LA zoo elephant exhibit
http://cbs2.com/californiawire/22.0.html?type=local&state=CA&category=n&filename=CA--ElephantLawsuit.xml
http://laist.com/2008/02/15/pachyderm_probl.php
February 6, 2008
Hearing was held and judge is currently reviewing documents to make decision on the preliminary injunction. I will post any updates soon!
http://www.myfoxla.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=5545696&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1
January 21, 2008
Robert Culp Attempts to Shut Down Elephant Exhibit at L.A. Zoo
After prevailing against the city's motion in October contesting the legal sufficiency of the suit, the men now want a preliminary injunction shutting down the exhibit and stopping the ongoing construction pending trial of their lawsuit, which seeks to make both steps permanent.
________________________________________________
Urgent letters are needed to the following contacts:
MAYOR ANTONIO R. VILLARAIGOSA
200 North Spring Street, Room 303
Los Angeles, CA 90012
mayor@lacity.org
ROCKY DELGADILLO
City Attorney
800 City Hall East
200 North Main Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
JOHN A. CARVALHO
Deputy City Attorney
800 City Hall East
200 North Main Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
John.Carvalho@lacity.org
JOHN R. LEWIS
Zoo Director
Los Angeles Zoo
5333 Zoo Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
CONNIE MORGAN
Zoo President
Los Angeles Zoo
5333 Zoo Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Email: cmorgan@lazoo.org
January 8, 2007
Los Angeles Zoo is once again listed in the top ten of IDA's list of Worst Zoos for Elephants.
Visitors at Los Angeles Zoo, adults and children alike, comment on the sad, repetitive behavior of the Zoo's lone elephant, Billy, as he incessantly bobs his head up and down, day in and day out, a pitiable display in response to his lonely and unnatural existence. Elephants do not naturally live in isolation and require social interaction with other elephants, yet Billy has been alone for more than three years. Turning a blind eye to his suffering, the L.A. Zoo is instead focused on an outrageously expensive %u2013 and taxpayer-funded %u2013 $40 million elephant exhibit renovation that will take almost two years to complete, and will only provide 3.5 acres, subdivided into four yards, for the earth's largest land mammals. Billy provides a clear example of how zoos put business interests far above the welfare of elephants. This is the L.A. Zoo's fourth appearance on the list.
See IDA's complete list of Worst Zoos for Elephants:
http://www.idausa.org/news/currentnews/nr_080109.html
October 29, 2007
Judge refuses to dismiss lawsuit against L.A. City. Billy has hope! Keep the signatures coming!
http://cbs2.com/local/local_story_302135311.html
Additional history of Los Angeles Zoo's elephants:
http://www.care2.com/c2c/groups/disc.html?gpp=524&pst=253490&archival=
In addition to signing this petition, please write letters to the following asking to them close the elephant exhibit and retire Billy.
Los Angeles Zoo officials
Los Angeles Zoo
5333 Zoo Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 644-4200 (Phone)
John R. Lewis, Zoo Director
Connie Morgan, Zoo President %u2013 Email: cmorgan@lazoo.org
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa
Antonio R. Villaraigosa
200 North Spring Street, Room 303
Los Angeles, CA 90012
mayor@lacity.org
(213) 978-0600 (Phone)
(213) 978-0750 (Fax)
Los Angeles City Councilmembers
councilmember.greuel@lacity.org
councilmember.zine@lacity.org
councilman.cardenas@lacity.org
councilmember.parks@lacity.org
councilmember.perry@lacity.org
councilmember.wesson@lacity.org
councilmember.garcetti@lacity.org
councilmember.huizar@lacity.org
councilmember.hahn@lacity.org
councilmember.labonge@lacity.org
councilmember.weiss.lacity.org
Additional information for these Los Angeles Councilmembers can be found on this website: http://www.lacity.org/council.htm
*********************************************
*********************************************
Billy's petition was submitted to the target as well as L.A City Councilmembers.
Sadly, the final decision came today, January 28, 2009, from the L.A. City Council to keep Billy and continue construction on the Pachyderm Forest.
"Cheers and applause erupted at City Hall on Wednesday as the Los Angeles City Council voted to continue construction of the Pachyderm Forest at the zoo, despite calls from opponents to abandon the project and move the zoo's lone elephant to a sanctuary."
Please click on the news link below for further details.
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING BILLY.
**********************************************************************************************************
Visit http://www.geocities.com/mjm333/animals.html or this petition for the latest updates on Billy. THANK YOU for your support!
Please see Billy's video taken at the Los Angeles Zoo on May 5, 2007 by clicking this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzXf9DSTOZk
******LATEST UPDATES******
January 2009 - Billy's Last Chance!!
Last Rally to Save Billy
What: Demo At the Los Angeles Zoo for Billy
WHEN: Saturday, January 24th, 11am
WHERE: Los Angeles Zoo, 5333 Zoo Drive, L.A. (in Griffith Park)
MEET: In front of main entrance; parking is free
Signs and flyers will be provided.
For more information, contact: Zoos or 323-301-5730.
WHAT: Arts, Parks, Health and Aging Committee meeting
WHEN: Tuesday, January 27th, 2:00pm
WHERE: L.A. City Hall, 200 N. Spring Street, L.A. 90012, John Ferraro Council Chamber, Room 340
**Please note that the time and room could change for this meeting. We'll send another email to confirm, but you can also visit http://www.lacity.org/ and check the "Council Calendar" which can be found on the right side of the web page under "L.A. City Council."
WHAT: FINAL L.A. City Council meeting and vote on shutting down the L.A. Zoo elephant exhibit
WHEN: Wednesday, January 28th, 10:00am
WHERE: L.A. City Hall, 200 N. Spring Street, L.A., 90012, John Ferraro Council Chamber, Room 340
SPEAK OUT: The public should be able to speak during public comment at the Arts, Parks, Health & Aging Committee meeting. However, we are not sure if people will be allowed to present public comment at the final City Council meeting. Please be prepared to speak for 1 minute during public comment on the motion. Keep your comments concise, positive, and focused on your support for closing down the elephant exhibit and sending Billy to a sanctuary. Arrive early enough to complete a public comment card.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP? Please go to http://www.helpbilly.org/howtohelp.html to attend the events above, call and write letters to city and county officials. WE NEED TO BE HIS VOICE!!
January 20, 2009
With celebrity fanfare, two elephant-size billboards will rise this morning, warning of danger to the L.A. Zoo's lone pachyderm.
http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_11507055
December 5, 2008
Video footage from The Today Show
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/28048369#28048369
December 3, 2008
Council Halts LA Zoo's Pachyderm Forest
http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Council-Halts-LA-Zoos-Pachyderm-Forest.html
December 2, 2008
"Who is Billy the Elephant and why should we care about him?"
http://www.examiner.com/x-1779-Los-Angeles-Pet-Rescue-Examiner~y2008m12d2-Who-is-Billy-the-elephant-and-why-should-you-care-about-him
**A Song for Billy: When Elephants Cry" by Mayuka Thais**
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zl-LQtOdEpg
May 23, 2008
The ruling is not final and the case is being appealed!
(news link no longer available)
May 13, 2008
Judge Throws Out Actor's Suit Over LA Zoo Elephant Exhibit
http://www.knbc.com/news/16253928/detail.html?rss=la&psp=news
February 15, 2008
Judge rejects actor's bid to stop LA zoo elephant exhibit
http://cbs2.com/californiawire/22.0.html?type=local&state=CA&category=n&filename=CA--ElephantLawsuit.xml
http://laist.com/2008/02/15/pachyderm_probl.php
February 6, 2008
Hearing was held and judge is currently reviewing documents to make decision on the preliminary injunction. I will post any updates soon!
http://www.myfoxla.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=5545696&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1
January 21, 2008
Robert Culp Attempts to Shut Down Elephant Exhibit at L.A. Zoo
After prevailing against the city's motion in October contesting the legal sufficiency of the suit, the men now want a preliminary injunction shutting down the exhibit and stopping the ongoing construction pending trial of their lawsuit, which seeks to make both steps permanent.
________________________________________________
Urgent letters are needed to the following contacts:
MAYOR ANTONIO R. VILLARAIGOSA
200 North Spring Street, Room 303
Los Angeles, CA 90012
mayor@lacity.org
ROCKY DELGADILLO
City Attorney
800 City Hall East
200 North Main Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
JOHN A. CARVALHO
Deputy City Attorney
800 City Hall East
200 North Main Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
John.Carvalho@lacity.org
JOHN R. LEWIS
Zoo Director
Los Angeles Zoo
5333 Zoo Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
CONNIE MORGAN
Zoo President
Los Angeles Zoo
5333 Zoo Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Email: cmorgan@lazoo.org
January 8, 2007
Los Angeles Zoo is once again listed in the top ten of IDA's list of Worst Zoos for Elephants.
Visitors at Los Angeles Zoo, adults and children alike, comment on the sad, repetitive behavior of the Zoo's lone elephant, Billy, as he incessantly bobs his head up and down, day in and day out, a pitiable display in response to his lonely and unnatural existence. Elephants do not naturally live in isolation and require social interaction with other elephants, yet Billy has been alone for more than three years. Turning a blind eye to his suffering, the L.A. Zoo is instead focused on an outrageously expensive %u2013 and taxpayer-funded %u2013 $40 million elephant exhibit renovation that will take almost two years to complete, and will only provide 3.5 acres, subdivided into four yards, for the earth's largest land mammals. Billy provides a clear example of how zoos put business interests far above the welfare of elephants. This is the L.A. Zoo's fourth appearance on the list.
See IDA's complete list of Worst Zoos for Elephants:
http://www.idausa.org/news/currentnews/nr_080109.html
October 29, 2007
Judge refuses to dismiss lawsuit against L.A. City. Billy has hope! Keep the signatures coming!
http://cbs2.com/local/local_story_302135311.html
Additional history of Los Angeles Zoo's elephants:
http://www.care2.com/c2c/groups/disc.html?gpp=524&pst=253490&archival=
In addition to signing this petition, please write letters to the following asking to them close the elephant exhibit and retire Billy.
Los Angeles Zoo officials
Los Angeles Zoo
5333 Zoo Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 644-4200 (Phone)
John R. Lewis, Zoo Director
Connie Morgan, Zoo President %u2013 Email: cmorgan@lazoo.org
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa
Antonio R. Villaraigosa
200 North Spring Street, Room 303
Los Angeles, CA 90012
mayor@lacity.org
(213) 978-0600 (Phone)
(213) 978-0750 (Fax)
Los Angeles City Councilmembers
councilmember.greuel@lacity.org
councilmember.zine@lacity.org
councilman.cardenas@lacity.org
councilmember.parks@lacity.org
councilmember.perry@lacity.org
councilmember.wesson@lacity.org
councilmember.garcetti@lacity.org
councilmember.huizar@lacity.org
councilmember.hahn@lacity.org
councilmember.labonge@lacity.org
councilmember.weiss.lacity.org
Additional information for these Los Angeles Councilmembers can be found on this website: http://www.lacity.org/council.htm
Report abuse To repeat the words of an organization known as Elephant Voices, an organization that focuses on elephant communication and welfare based on knowledge gained from decades of research by the Amboseli Elephant Research Project in one of Kenya's best-known National Parks - Amboseli. This knowledge represents the longest and most detailed study of elephants in the world. As adults we often have to take difficult decisions about how to bring up our children, what to expose them to, what to let them see and hear, while teaching them what we believe is right and what is wrong. It is morally wrong to allow our children to think that elephants, or other animals, in circuses are living an acceptable life, when the evidence for the opposite is overwhelming. We may destroy some illusions by telling them this, but it is insincere to allow animals to suffer for the purpose of encouraging our children to appreciate them. Such appreciation can come from visits to zoos or wild animal parks that meet acceptable standards, or films from the wild, as well as our own attitudes. Think for a moment about the successful global focus on whales. How many people has seen a whale in the wild, and really been able to observe its behavior? Very few. How many have seen one of the endangered species of whales in a zoo? No one. And yet, people all over the world appreciate whales, their complex behavior and the need for their conservation. A zoo could be an acceptable place for elephants, if they have space and conditions that reflect what they need. We have a long way to go, though, before the zoo industry is even close to meeting such standards. When that happens elephants can be elephants, and people can learn to appreciate the world's biggest land mammal the way they really are. Alternatively we could stick to visiting them in the wild, or through the amazing possibilities provided by the internet and multimedia technology.
Report abuse Why do I think Billy shoud be retired from life at the Zoo?? @Watch this video about ' Shirley the Elephant' and see how her life is at the Sanctuary and tell me your dosen't bleed for these terribly mistreated animals. I believe this video has the power to change peoples hearts and minds, please pass it on.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzEUayHqrRc&feature=related
Report abuse The Elephant Sanctuary in Tenn. is a wonderful place for Retiring elephants. Studies have been done that even though properly cared for, elephants are happier with other elephants. Why should we a Humans keep any animal away from their species??? Good luck Billy.
Report abuse Billy is an intelligent creature who is being mistreated through isolation, lack of space and lack of understanding. Every living being deserves more dignity and respect than he has been shown. Let him go!
Report abuse If you love Billy, please let him retire in a santuary with other elephants. He is a wild animal and there is no reason why he should be held captive!!
Report abuse Elephants are wild animals and they should not be confined to an exhibit for human pleasure. Billy is showing signs of stress, and the LA Zoo has a bad reputation for letting most of their previous elephants die in their exhibit. They need to shut that exhibit down once and for all.
Report abuse Billy should be allowed to roam freely and have a community of other elephants. They are emotional animals and he looks sad and lonely. Free Billy!
Report abuse people say it teaches children, but all it does is teach them that human curiousities are more important than the life needs of the animal.
Report abuse Elephant's die in zoo's just look at Billy's condition. He needs to be in the santuary with other elephants.
Report abuse A large, as well as intelligent, animal like Billy should not be kept at the L.A. Zoo. This animal deserves a better home with plenty of room to live in and other elephants to be with, which the L.A. Zoo does not and can not offer. It would be in the best interest for Billy's health and well-being to send him to the sanctuary in San Andreas.
Report abuse It is inhumane to subject a social being, such as Billy, to confinement any longer. He deserves the right to retire from the horrors of Zoo life forever. Please let him finally enjoy his life. The decision to send him to a sanctuary has benefits that will be felt for many years. Building a new elephant exhibit would only further destroy the lives of other elephants.
Report abuse Animals have feelings too, let Billy live the rest of his life in peace. How would you feel if a loved one couldn't live a peaceful life? The right thing to do is let Billy relax and have more space.
Report abuse It makes no sense to spend 42 million dollars on building a habitat for Billy when there is already a wonderful sanctuary that will take him in and give him a great life.. I am sure the CA tax payers do not want to pay more taxes for the zoo to build a bigger place for elephants.. the best thing for taxpayers and for Billy is the sanctuary
Report abuse I've witnessed Billy's torture and it's heart breaking. Let him go where he can live a life worth living. He's been in jail long enough!
Report abuse Hes living alone without enough space. We cant keep letting elephants die in the LA Zoo because they don't have enough space. Elephants cannot be kept in zoos! They need to be able to walk 30 miles a day and live among their family, otherwise they die! Paws is ready to take him so he can live a free&protected life among other elephants where he wont become another LA Zoo statistic. (14 premature deaths since 1968) Elephants cannot live happy healthy lives in zoos! Its torture and then death! After 20 years of solitary confinement, please let Billy have a chance of life!
Report abuse Because animal welfare - elephant welfare - should take a HIGH priority over zoo GREED and people that use animals as a means to an end. In 2009, people should be educated regarding wildlife - not entertained.
Report abuse After years of display in Los Angeles, Billy has earned the right to a more comfortable, appropriate and decent life. Surely the very majesty of his species warrants the respect of a life style in his waning years that can offer him space to roam, companionship of other elephants, and the chance for some sense of freedom. We are partially judged not only by how we treat each other, but how we treat the other creatures who share this earth with us. Please let Billy retire!
Report abuse I believe he should retire because Elephants appear to much like humans in that they need family and friends around them. It appears that he is showing some behaviors that are not common possibly unhappy (head bobbing) He needs to be in a bigger area with other eleohants of his own kind. I also think that if they add a bigger space and more elephants it will be a bigger expanse and we all know california cannot afford that just for our pleasure to see an elephant. We need to consider what is best for the animal not our own enjoyment.
Report abuse I believe it is in Billy's best interest to be moved to a sanctuary. Thank you.
Report abuse it is terribly unkind to keep an elephant imprisoned in a Zoo. Billy needs to be released to a sanctuary where he can live his life with others of his kind..in space that he requires.
Report abuse I really think it is unfair that you are keeping poor Billy the elephant in the LA Zoo. Any animal that is sick shouldn't be at a Zoo where there are hundreds of germs & people waching a poor struggling animal. There is a perfectly good solution.... However, making a $40 million dollar exhibit is not a good solution. There have been 13 other elephant deaths, we shouldn't go for 14.
Report abuse I think it is time with all the evidence there is that Billy have friends of his own kind and the Sanctuary will see to it that Billys life will have the fullest and closest life to his home he was taken from> his family. All zoos do it and the animals show signs of stress the minute they get to there zoos and some of the elephants are just babies when taken from there Moms,sisters and brothers> what a shame and it is time to step in on these zoos and take all wildlife away and place them in a place that is closet to there own homes and that is Sanctuary ONLY!
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11:26 am PST, Jan 25,
Hubert Delgrange, France
Report abuse Please! |
Report abuse Billy has served his time and deserves freedom in this state of health, as well as a social involvement with his own kind.
Report abuse I think Billy deserves some elephant companionship now.
Report abuse We now know that an elephant is a very social creature that lives in large family herds. It is cruel to expect them to live alone and to keep them in small enclosures. Don't be so close-minded, ignorant and stubborn and do the right thing. Billy needs to go to a sanctuary.
Report abuse Billy does not have any choice in a zoo, standing on concrete damages their feet, boredom ensures a failure to thrive, give elephants back to roam in a sanctuary where the main motive is not profit
Report abuse Elephant's need to be with their own kind, that includes Billy. Billy would have more room to roam in. He is not doing that well where he is. It is in his best interest to leave the zoo, he paid his dues. Let him retire to a heaven on earth for elephants.
Report abuse It is now known that unless a great deal of space is provided, elephants in zoos are extremely stressed. Please send Billy to a humane retirement in an elephant sanctuary.
Report abuse An elephant sanctuary is the best home we can give a non-domesticated animal that otherwise cannot live in the wild. Zoos are wonderful places for learning about and becoming engaged with animals - but not when that location cannot provide appropriate care and adequate space.
Report abuse billy should be set free. just the thought of such a large animal alone and in such a small space makes me sad. ones suffering for anothers entertainment purpose should never be tolerated. This zoo in general is a lost cause.
Report abuse I can never figure out whether zoos are good or evil or something in between, but in Billy's case, it's time for him to go!
