The Los Angeles City Council meeting on June 27, 2025, took a dramatic turn as discussions centered around the future of the city’s zoo. A council member expressed strong opposition to any increase in admission prices, arguing that the zoo itself should be closed due to inhumane conditions for the animals.

The council member highlighted a recent controversy involving two elephants, Billy and Tina, who were transferred to the Tolsa Zoo despite concerns about their welfare. “Those elephants are being tortured,” the member stated, emphasizing the need for their relocation to a sanctuary where they could live in a more suitable environment. The discussion raised alarms about the treatment of various species at the zoo, including zebras, rhinoceroses, and koalas, with the council member asserting that none of these animals are suited to live in Los Angeles.

The call to action was clear: “We should close the zoo and use that land for something else,” the member urged, framing the issue as a matter of animal rights and ethical responsibility. This passionate plea reflects a growing sentiment among some council members and constituents regarding the treatment of animals in captivity.

As the council continues to deliberate on this pressing issue, the future of the zoo remains uncertain, with advocates pushing for a shift towards more humane practices and the potential repurposing of the zoo's land for community benefit.