Actor Samuel L. Jackson Joins Calls for Sanctuary for Ailing Ex-LA Zoo Elephant

Activists continue campaign to relocate Tina the elephant after her transfer to Oklahoma facility

Mar. 31, 2026 at 11:09am

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of an elephant's trunk reaching through lush, blurred foliage, composed in soft pools of warm, earthy color and light to conceptually represent the debate over captive elephants.The plight of Tina the elephant has sparked renewed calls for urban zoos to relocate large animals to more spacious, naturalistic sanctuaries.Los Angeles Today

Nearly a year after the Los Angeles Zoo transferred the elephants Billy and Tina to a facility in Oklahoma, animal rights activists have maintained their push to have the animals moved to a sanctuary. Recently, acclaimed actor Samuel L. Jackson has added his voice to the growing roster of supporters advocating for Tina, who has reportedly fallen ill at the Oklahoma location.

Why it matters

The plight of Tina the elephant has become a high-profile case highlighting the ongoing debate over the ethics of keeping large, intelligent animals in captivity, especially in urban zoos. Jackson's celebrity involvement has further amplified calls for the zoo to take responsibility and relocate Tina to a more spacious and naturalistic sanctuary environment.

The details

After being housed at the Los Angeles Zoo for decades, Billy and Tina were transferred to the Endangered Ark Foundation in Hugo, Oklahoma in 2025. While the zoo claimed the move was in the best interest of the animals, animal rights groups protested the transfer, arguing the elephants would be better served at a true sanctuary. Now, reports indicate Tina has fallen ill at the Oklahoma facility, spurring renewed activism to have her moved to a more suitable environment.

  • The Los Angeles Zoo transferred Billy and Tina to the Endangered Ark Foundation in Oklahoma in 2025.
  • Animal rights activists have continued campaigning for the elephants' relocation since the 2025 transfer.

The players

Samuel L. Jackson

Acclaimed American actor who has joined calls for relocating Tina the elephant to a sanctuary.

Tina

An elephant formerly housed at the Los Angeles Zoo who was transferred to the Endangered Ark Foundation in Oklahoma, where she has reportedly fallen ill.

Endangered Ark Foundation

The facility in Hugo, Oklahoma where the Los Angeles Zoo transferred the elephants Billy and Tina in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“These elephants deserve so much better than being kept in captivity. I'm proud to stand with the activists fighting to get Tina the care and space she needs at a true sanctuary.”

— Samuel L. Jackson

The takeaway

The case of Tina the elephant underscores the ongoing ethical debates around keeping large, intelligent animals in urban zoos versus relocating them to more naturalistic sanctuary environments. With high-profile celebrity support, activists are hoping to pressure the Los Angeles Zoo to take responsibility and ensure Tina receives the care and space she requires.