Samuel L. Jackson Urges Tulsa Zoo to Release Ailing Elephants Billy and Tina to Sanctuary

Tina’s Health Crisis Sparks Alarm (Image Credits: Unsplash)

Tulsa, Oklahoma – Elephants Billy and Tina, long-time residents of the Los Angeles Zoo, now face health challenges and mounting pressure for relocation at the Tulsa Zoo. Animal rights groups report that Tina suffers from a severe uterine infection, prompting renewed calls from Hollywood figures for their transfer to a sanctuary. The pair’s journey from California highlights ongoing debates over elephant welfare in captivity.[1][2]

Tina’s Health Crisis Sparks Alarm

Veterinarians at the Tulsa Zoo diagnosed Tina with an infection and abnormal fluid buildup in her uterus, linked to chronic reproductive tract disease common in older female elephants without calves. The 59-year-old Asian elephant received antibiotics, though officials noted the treatment’s limitations due to her size, age, and anatomy.[3] Staff described her as bright and engaged, interacting normally with keepers and the herd, yet activists warned the condition could turn life-threatening without resolution.[2]

Billy, Tina’s longtime companion at 40 years old, showed intensified stress behaviors after the move, including head bobbing, swaying, and pacing. These signs of distress persisted alongside concerns over potential invasive procedures like sperm extraction for breeding programs.[1] The Tulsa Zoo monitors both elephants closely amid criticism of its facilities.

Secret Transfer from Los Angeles Ignites Backlash

The Los Angeles Zoo relocated Billy and Tina in May 2025 under cover of night, shipping them in containers after their herd dwindled due to the deaths of two older elephants. This decision followed years of activism pushing for sanctuary retirement, yet zoo officials chose Tulsa based on space, staff expertise, and herd compatibility.[4] Critics labeled the move a betrayal, as it bypassed public review and celebrity-backed campaigns.

Billy had lived at the Los Angeles Zoo since 1989, arriving as a young calf from Malaysia, while Tina joined in 2010 after rehabilitation. Their bond formed over 15 years in shared enclosures. The transfer complied with Association of Zoos and Aquariums standards requiring at least three Asian elephants per exhibit.[1]

Jackson and Activists Amplify Sanctuary Demands

Samuel L. Jackson lent his voice to the cause, stating, “Billy and Tina have sanctuaries willing to take them in… Continued exploitation and denial of their freedom is making them worse, and time is running out!” He urged support for In Defense of Animals after visiting Kenya’s Reteti Elephant Sanctuary.[5] The organization ranked Tulsa No. 10 on its 2025 list of worst zoos for elephants, citing breeding pressures and stress.[6]

Courtney Scott, an elephant consultant with In Defense of Animals, remarked that true compassion meant sanctuary care: “Tina will receive top-notch medical care at a sanctuary, and peace which will have a direct impact on her health.” Over 10,000 people signed petitions to Tulsa Zoo leadership.[6] Previous efforts involved celebrities like Cher and legal challenges, though unsuccessful.

Signs of Stress and Sanctuary Solutions

Both elephants displayed zoochotic behaviors – repetitive swaying, bobbing, and pacing – indicating chronic mental distress from confinement. At Tulsa, they joined five other elephants in enclosures critics deemed inadequate despite the zoo’s 17-acre claim.[1] Activists documented these issues during visits.

Sanctuaries in Georgia, Cambodia, and Northern California offered spaces, promising stress-free environments for natural behaviors and medical care. Groups argued captive breeding fails conservation goals, with high mortality rates and disease spread via transfers.[5]

• Chronic reproductive issues in Tina from years without calves.
• Billy’s history of over 50 sperm extractions.
• Profound stress in all seven Tulsa elephants, including breakout attempts.
• Relocation trauma raising premature death risks.
• Two sanctuaries ready to accept the pair immediately.

The plight of Billy and Tina reveals tensions between zoo operations and welfare advocacy, with sanctuaries positioned as the ethical path forward. As pressure mounts, their fate could influence broader elephant care standards. What do you think about their relocation? Tell us in the comments.