There is a heated debate happening in LA over the placement and care of a
lone Asian bull elephant named "Billy." For months, even years now there
has been controversy as to his fate: make a bigger exhibit for him OR close
the elephant exhibit altogether and send him to a sanctuary.

Here's your chance to help no matter where you live. Click on this link,
scroll down below the story and vote "NO" that no elephant should not be
kept in a zoo and Billy should be sent to a sanctuary.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/unleashed/2009/01/jack-hanna-anno.html

This is vital for many reasons - the results of this poll will undoubtedly
be used at the upcoming hearing(s)...of which there have been many and they
are getting more intense. So, not only will it help the health and mental
Well being of Billy (who has developed a habit of 'rockin' back and forth in
a single spot - a behavior NOT natural to elephants in the wild) but it will
help elephants in other zoos by showing that humans recognize that the
largest land mammal has no business being in small enclosures.

Elephants are in enough trouble in the wild - being slaughtered at alarming
rates for their ivory tusks. They desperately need help so they do not
become extinct, however, zoos are not the answers.

Here are just a few points as to why Billy needs OUT:
*It is going to cost the LA tax payers close to 50 million dollars when it's
all said and done to rebuild an exhibit for Billy (CA just got listed in a
financial state of emergency)
*This exhibit is still not entirely proper for elephants who tend to die
early in zoos due to foot disease and ill conditions.
*An alarming number of elephants (14!) have died in the past 30 years at the
LA zoo. Elephants typically live to be approx 80 years old (and walk up to
30 miles every day)
*12 other zoos in the US have already closed their elephant exhibit due to
the growing information of the care for elephants

Please vote - write - take action and make a difference! THANK YOU.

You can learn more about elephants at:
http://www.helpelephants.com/

For the Animals,
Elaine