Source: Last Chance for Animals

Ruby the L.A. Zoo Elephant Leaves for Sanctuary

Zoo Prepares for More to Arrive; Last Chance for Animals Prepares for More Suffering

LOS ANGELES, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- May 15, 2007 -- Ruby the L.A. Zoo elephant leaves for PAWS Sanctuary today. Last Chance for Animals (LCA) is very happy for the relocation of Ruby. We have been fighting for this day for 16 years, but our fight will not stop until we PERMANENTLY close the elephant exhibit at the L.A. Zoo.

"One elephant has been moved out, but the plans for the new elephant exhibit include 10 barns. With so many elephants, the new $39 million dollar exhibit will have less space per elephant than the old exhibit. This is blatant animal cruelty, miseducation and a waste of tax payers' money! Elephants are dying in zoos across the country from captivity-related diseases. Billy, the remaining elephant at the L.A. Zoo, exhibits neurotic behaviors proven consistent with captive elephants -- he bobs his head and sways incessantly. Go see him! It will be obvious to you why elephants should not be in captivity!" states LCA President Chris DeRose.

At the PAWS sanctuary, Ruby will be able to roam more than 70 acres of grassy, natural landscape. The facility will give Ruby more than 500 times the space of her enclosure at the L.A. Zoo. PAWS has received elephants from zoos in Detroit, San Francisco and Milwaukee. Ruby is the second elephant this month to be transferred from a zoo to a sanctuary. The other elephant is Dulary, a 43-year-old Asian elephant who was transferred from the Philadelphia Zoo, which is CLOSING its elephant exhibit.

TEN U.S. ZOOS HAVE CLOSED THEIR ELEPHANT EXHIBITS and another two zoos have announced they will soon shut down their elephant displays. Two more zoos, including the Bronx Zoo, will phase out their exhibits. The Los Angeles Zoo SHOULD come into the 21st century in animal care and permanently shut down their elephant exhibit.

Last Chance for Animals (LCA), a national animal rights organization based in Los Angeles, has been active for almost 24 years. Founded and led by animal expert, author and actor, Chris DeRose, LCA fights for the rights of animals by conducting investigations that expose animal cruelty, launching public awareness campaigns, pushing animal friendly legislation and helping prosecute animal abusers. For more information, visit www.LCAnimal.org.

Contact Information: Contact: Lisa Beal Campaigns Director, LCA (818) 681-3672 lisa@lcanimal.org