Construction halted on Los Angeles Zoo elephant exhibit

The project seemed headed for extinction but for an 11th-hour proposal from the zoo's fundraising arm, the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Assn., which offered to contribute millions of dollars more to pay for the new habitat.

As a result, the council referred the matter back to its Arts, Parks, Health and Aging Committee to examine whether to accept the association's offer and to consider what to do with the 3.6-acre space and the zoo's sole elephant, Billy, if the project is scrapped. The zoo has already spent $12 million on construction costs.

The association's offer eased worries of some council members, who fretted over the cost of the exhibit at a time when city services are being cut back. But several council members have maintained all along that it is less about money than about the elephants' welfare, arguing that the new facility would be too small for the needs of the huge, social creatures.

"Our zoo is trying to do the best job they can with the real estate they have and the budget they have," said Councilman Tony Cardenas, who conceived the motion to stop construction of the exhibit and move Billy to a sanctuary. "Elephants don't fit in zoos; they have ailments they don't get out in the wild. Whether it's an acre or three to four acres, it's inadequate."

The crowd that filled the council chamber expecting a final decision divided as if at a wedding of hostile families. Animal welfare advocates packed the seats to the left of the center aisle while zoo supporters and staffers, some wearing bright green T-shirts proclaiming their position, filled the seats to the right.

"It all boils down to whether you believe we should have animals of this magnitude in captivity," said Councilwoman Jan Perry, who told the crowd that she planned to vote against the exhibit, provoking one of the frequent bursts of applause and cheers.

When Councilman Bill Rosendahl expressed awe at seeing so many people show up for an animal issue, he wondered if they would show up when the council tackled social issues.

"I want that kind of commitment to human beings that we're giving to elephants -- can I have that from everyone in the room?" he asked.