Elephant Conditions at L.A. Zoo Prompt Cher-Backed Lawsuit

The Los Angeles Zoo’s director is facing a lawsuit over its plans to transfer two elephants to the Tulsa Zoo, alleging inhumane living conditions for the elephants in L.A.

City resident John Kelly, with the support of a declaration from singer and actress Cher, accused L.A. Zoo and Botanical Gardens director Denise Verret of misleading the public about the future plans for elephants Billy and Tina. After a yearslong campaign for their release, Verret said the animals would be sent to an elephant ‘preserve,’ which turned out to be an enclosure at another zoo, the complaint said.

Verret made the ...