Cher Intensifies Her Fight For Elephants With Lawsuit Against L.A. To Tulsa Transfer

Singer Cher has always wanted what is best for the elephants and will go to great lengths to get it!

The iconic musician is opposing a planned move of the Los Angeles Zoo elephants to another state, insisting that it is no better than the cage they have been in all their lives.

Cher is the proud owner of the Free the Wild initiative, a charitable fund established under the Entertainment Industry Foundation. This initiative is dedicated to advocating for the release of captive animals, highlighting the singer's commitment to animal welfare.

The singer is now loudly advocating for the elephants at the L.A. Zoo, arguing that they have endured enough confinement and deserve to live a life of peace and dignity.

In her statement to the L.A. County Superior Court, she highlighted that while a potential move to Oklahoma might provide more space, it would still be a cage, merely a larger one. 

"Filed a lawsuit to STOP Billy & Tina being secretly shipped from L.A. to Tulsa Zoo - ANOTHER CAGE. You deserve the TRUTH. Billy & Tina deserve FREEDOM!!! Say your piece:http://Bit.ly/contactmayorbass #NotAnotherZoo #FreeBilly #FreeTina #FreeTheWild," the musician wrote.

Animal rights advocates have criticized the L.A. Zoo for its cramped elephant enclosure, which they believe negatively impacts the elephants' health. 

Recently, the zoo faced scrutiny after the euthanization of elephants Jewel, 61, and Shaunzi, 53, due to age-related health issues, leaving only two elephants, Billy and Tina.

Despite this, L.A. Zoo officials maintain that Billy and Tina are healthy and have announced plans to transfer to the Tulsa Zoo, where they will join five other Asian elephants. 

According to TMZ, L.A. Zoo Director Denise Verret is optimistic about this move, suggesting it will allow them to grow healthy alongside other elephants.

In late November 2020, amid a surge in COVID-19 cases, Cher traveled from Los Angeles to Pakistan to facilitate the relocation of Kaavan. The relocated elephant was an Asian elephant suffering in a deteriorating Islamabad zoo. 

Kaavan was eventually moved to a sanctuary in Cambodia. Cher's compassion for animals extends beyond Kaavan; she reflects on her inability to save another elephant named Billy in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter three years ago. 

Billy has reportedly spent nearly his entire life at the Los Angeles Zoo. Despite calls for Billy's release to a sanctuary, the L.A. Zoo's leadership. 

At the time, the report shared that the United States has shown no intention of changing its approach to elephant care, even as many American zoos are closing or discontinuing elephant exhibits. During the conversation, Cher expressed her desire to keep the momentum going for Billy's rescue.

Cher expressed her primary concern in the interview, which revolved around Billy. According to her, it took five years of legal battles to rescue Kaavan, another elephant, from a similar situation.

She added that despite her foundation's efforts, there remains a lack of understanding among the public and authorities regarding the detrimental effects of zoo life on these animals.

Cher noted that Billy, in particular, endures constant pain from the harsh conditions of his enclosure. His behavior reportedly reflected deep emotional and physical distress, as he engaged in repetitive movements like swaying and weaving all day long.

She made a plea for the community to advocate strongly for Billy's relocation to a sanctuary where he can spend his remaining years in peace, rather than continue to be kept for the profit and entertainment value that elephants bring to zoos. 

The actress' frustration was compounded by L.A. citizens owning the zoo and seemingly powerless to impact decision-making. She referenced the numerous elephant deaths the L.A. zoo has faced since 1968, many of which are shrouded in secrecy and lack proper documentation.

Well, Cher's radiant efforts to salvage the poor animals are found wanting in her son's life based on his recent appearance. In a report by The Blast, her son, Elijah Blue Allman,was recently spotted in a disheveled state outside the Chateau Marmont hotel in Los Angeles. 

The 48-year-old appeared unkempt, with visible sores on his body and wearing tattered clothing, including an oversized polo and worn-out shorts. 

His appearance was further accentuated by a fake nail on one of his fingers and his half-finished cigarette. Allman's eyes looked glassy, suggesting he may have been unaware of his surroundings as he stumbled along the hotel's walkway. 

This sighting comes on the heels of a conservatorship battle with his mother, raising concerns about his well-being and the impact of their relationship on his life.

Before the latest sighting, Cher expressed concern for her son, citing his mental and physical instability as she sought to place him under a conservatorship. 

She feared that he would deplete his funds on drug addiction, potentially jeopardizing his well-being. Documents filed by Cher's lawyer indicated her belief that without intervention, Allman would struggle to provide for himself and that his life could be at risk.

This attempt to secure a conservatorship sparked a contentious dispute between mother and son, culminating in the 48-year-old formally opposing Cher's request in January 2024.

In his filing, he argued that a conservatorship was unnecessary, claiming there was no justification for appointing a conservator, expressing doubts about Cher's fitness for the role, and asserting his capabilities.

Despite acknowledging his struggles with addiction and financial management, Allman stated that he had been clean and sober for over 90 days. He was reportedly dedicated to responsibly overseeing the trust his late father, Gregg, established.

Cher's efforts towards bettering animal welfare remain enviable and worthy of the spotlight!