In a recent Los Angeles City Council meeting, discussions centered on the ethical treatment of elephants in captivity, highlighting the plight of two elephants, Billy and Tina, who were recently transferred from the LA Zoo to a facility in Tulsa. The transfer, described as occurring "in the dead of night," raised concerns about the lack of transparency and the welfare of the animals involved.

Council member Bob Bloomfield introduced a motion calling for the zoo to provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding the transfer, emphasizing the need for better living conditions for elephants. He noted that both Billy and Tina, along with other elephants, have been subjected to inadequate care that fails to meet their social and environmental needs.

Fern, a documentary filmmaker, was invited to speak at the meeting, sharing insights from her film, "The Stone and Lies of Elephants." She emphasized the stark contrast between the lives of wild elephants and those in captivity, noting that elephants in the wild roam vast distances, engage in complex social behaviors, and play a crucial role in their ecosystems. In captivity, however, they often suffer from physical and psychological issues due to confinement and lack of stimulation.

Fern's documentary aims to raise awareness about the cruelty of keeping elephants in zoos, arguing that these environments strip the animals of their natural behaviors and social structures. She pointed out that the supposed educational and conservation benefits of zoos are misleading, as captive elephants are not returned to the wild and are primarily kept for profit.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for the community to support the screening of Fern's documentary, scheduled for September 28, which aims to shed light on the urgent need for reform in how elephants and other animals are treated in captivity. The council's discussions reflect a growing concern among residents about animal welfare and the ethical implications of keeping wild animals in confined spaces.