L.A. Zoo’s former elephants adapting to new home amid welfare concerns

LOS ANGELES — Two months after the Los Angeles Zoo quietly — and controversially — transferred its last two Asian elephants to their new home in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the elephants’ new caretakers said the animals are acclimating well — though an animal-rights group continues to describe the facility as inadequate and is urging for the pair to be sent to a much larger preserve.

“Billy and Tina are acclimating well in their new home,” Ellen Averill, vice president of communications and strategy for Tulsa Zoo Management, wrote in an email to City News Service.

“Billy and Tina’s care team will continue the acclimation process with larger groupings and as always focus on the individual needs of each elephant in our care.”

Since the pair arrived at the Tulsa Zoo May 21, the elephants progressed f