Thursday, February 12, 2009

Billy The Elephant

This is Billy the elephant at the Los Angeles zoo. There was a big stink not too long ago (last month), that ended up in the City Council's lap about whether or not to release Billy. A group was protesting about how bad the conditions were for Billy and that he should be set free.


If you look at these photos you can see how confined Billy is. I couldn't even get a good shot of him. But the L.A. Zoo is already in the middle of construction of a Pachyderm Forest that will be just over 6 acres, a MUCH bigger exhibit then this one shown which doesn't even give the elephant much room to walk around in.


The L.A. City Council voted to let the elephant stay and though I know there are good reasons to let Billy go, I think it only fair to let the zoo continue with this multi-million dollar exhibit which is a huge improvement over the current conditions. They are investing the money to improve the conditions and I know Billy will be happier in the larger, more natural environment, large enough to get him a friend.


If the conditions were to remain the same I would have agreed that Billy should be released. But personally, I would like the zoo to see if this new, larger environment will be better for Billy. I know it bummed me out to see him in the current little exhibit. I would like to see him in the bigger one and can't wait until it is completed. I can't wait to see Billy roaming around, actually roaming and not just standing there rocking back and forth.

10 comments:

Connie T. said...

Poor elephant. They are social animals in the wild. He is probably lonely.

Anonymous said...

Poor guy - how long will it be before the larger area is ready for him to roam? If it's going to be much longer, couldn't they open up a bigger area for him? I feel so sorry for animals - they can't tell us to help them! Poor guy - At least open an area big enough to give him some company!!!

Gaelyn said...

Small enclosures for zoo animals often causes many problems from physical discomfort and dis-ease to nurosis. Glad to hear a larger environment is in the works. Many zoos are progressing to this. Billy probably wouldn't make it in the wild.
Good post.

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DeniseinVA said...

I hope it won't be long before Billy gets his new home and a new friend. Enjoyed the photos.

Unknown said...

Good to know he has a new home on the way. That saying about the elephant in the room that no one discusses in this case will no longer apply ... because they did discuss it, and now he has a new home on the way. I love happy endings!

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

T: That last shot is really cool of the elephant.

Caprice- said...

I'm SO GLAD that Billy will get a larger home! I too would advocate letting him go but if he's getting a new larger home soon- that's great! Rocking (with horses) is a sign of boredom and stress).
Great pics! Thanks for the story on Billy.
Caprice
http://lakedonpedroblog.blogspot.com/

penny said...

I will be glad when he has more room to roam :)

Anonymous said...

I hope things work out for Billy very soon.

Paz