Compassion, Will it be the New Modo for LA?

WFLF Activist News Network, Nov 19, 2008

The LA City council met today on the matter of Billy, the last surviving Elephant at the LA Zoo. Council chambers were packed with passionate Elephant supporters from both sides of the issue of whether or not to send Billy to sanctuary. It was clear that most of the speakers in spite of their support or opposition for the proposal to send Billy to sanctuary were putting the Elephant's best interest first or so - many of them claimed.

Council stated they had not seen this much interest at a meeting in quite some time and a new record was set for the number of community members who turned in official Speaker Cards. Bob Barker was called first to speak on behalf of those in support of a sanctuary and he managed to lighten the serious tone in the room with his quick witted comments. A total of 30 minutes was allowed per side for speakers to share their views and the facts as they saw them.

"I was fortunate enough to speak on Billy's behalf and that was simply a fluke of luck." Said Katia Louise, WFLF. "As it turns out, my name was called out in the middle of the Zoo supporters speeches. Thankfully they allowed me the full minute which was a nice little burst of support for Billy's best interest right in the middle of the opposition's plea for their own agenda." Many of the zoo supporters were arguing that the children could not learn about elephants unless they were kept at the zoo, regardless of the conditions.

Experts were called by Councilman Tony Cardenas in support of Billy going to sanctuary and then experts were called by Councilman Labonge in support of building a new exhibit and keeping Billy at the LA Zoo. Four hours into the meeting, as indicated by Council Members' questions and comments, there was an obvious change in their overall view point regarding the new exhibit. One of the main points brought up in todays hearing were facts that had been omitted previously when the new exhibit had been initially approved.

Members learned for the first time that 15 elephants have died prematurely at the LA Zoo, and that common practice for the Zoo to use bullhooks and electric shock to make the elephants do what they want. Billy's present state of health and welfare became a main focus for the hearing which is in my opinion a success and major break through. Opposing arguments urged that Elephants should remain in Zoo's under these conditions for educational purposes, to support the zoo's financial agenda and because most people cannot fly to Africa to see them in the wild.

It was refreshing to see that most members of the council today were compassionate and of the mind that this Elephant's best interest should be a top priority.

The meeting ended with a vote by members that this issue go back to consideration by Budget and Finance for further review, followed by yet another hearing on this matter to be held the first week of December.

WFLF ANN

Related news: Congressmen Kucinich Asks LA City Council to Close Pachyderm Enclosure
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