Help Billy

BILLY SUNDAY: Born in Asia, Arrived at the LA Zoo 1939, Died at the LA Zoo 1940 - TOMMIE: Born in Asia, Arrived at the LA Zoo 1940, Died at the LA Zoo 1947 - CAPONE: Born in Africa, Arrived at the LA Zoo date unknown, Died at the LA Zoo 1970 - BOJO: Born in Asia, Arrived at the LA Zoo 1948, Died at the LA Zoo 1968 - UNNAMED: Born in US, Arrived at the LA Zoo 1975, Died at the LA Zoo 1975 - N’JOGU: Born in Africa, Arrived at the LA Zoo 1960, Died at the LA Zoo 1977 - JOYCE I: Born in India, Arrived at the LA Zoo 1953, Died at the LA Zoo 1979 - MODOC: Born in India, Arrived at the LA Zoo 1979, Died at the LA Zoo 1980 - UNNAMED: Born in Africa, Arrived at the LA Zoo date unknown, Died at the LA Zoo 1982 - TUMAI: Born in Asia, Arrived at the LA Zoo date unknown, Died at the LA Zoo 1984 - SAGE: Born in Africa, Arrived at the LA Zoo 1977, Died at the LA Zoo 1984 - SAMSON: Born in Africa, Arrived at the LA Zoo 1981, Died at the LA Zoo 1986 - McCLEAN: Born in Africa, Arrived at the LA Zoo 1977, Died at the LA Zoo 1986 - HANNIBAL: Born in Africa, Arrived at the LA Zoo 1980, Died at the LA Zoo 1982 - ANNIE: Born in India, Arrived at the LA Zoo 1994, Died at the LA Zoo 1997 - TARA: Born in Africa, Arrived at the LA Zoo 1966, Died at the LA Zoo 2004 - GITA: Born in India, Arrived at the LA Zoo 1959, Died at the LA Zoo 2006.

Please join us for a night of laughs, wine, and food under the stars at a Beverly Hills mansion.

August 7th from 5-8:00 p.m.

All proceeds go to fund the trial to Free Billy and close the elephant exhibit at the LA Zoo.

Ticket prices range from $100 to $200 and are tax deductible.

To order tickets call 310-392-5153 ext. 6# or buy online:

Understanding the Imperative

It is critical to understand the remarkable and historical significance of this case. With the highest quality legal representation possible (and for free) we finally have the opportunity to fight and remedy an age-old problem. David Casselman has been representing clients and winning civil causes at the highest level for over thirty years. He and his firm (Wasserman, Comden, Casselman & Esensten LLP) have provided over a million dollars in pro bono legal fees and costs and are continuing to prosecute this ground-breaking case. It offers a unique opportunity to substantively challenge the inhumane treatment of elephants in a public Zoo. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to directly remedy these abuses; enlighten the world regarding these longstanding problems and improve the plight of captive elephants everywhere.

The case is already receiving media attention across the globe. It is the first time, ever, that a court will apply settled state law to address the merits of a challenge regarding Zoo abuses of elephants. They are forced to live in tiny pens, usually on hard ground, under conditions which predictably harm their feet and legs. These poor animals commonly suffer their entire lives, before succumbing to a premature death. Thirteen elephants have already died in the Los Angeles Zoo, allegedly using AZA methods and meeting AZA standards.

This is the first civil case, ever, approved for a trial to determine whether a public elephant exhibit should be closed due to abuse of the elephants in its care. It is also the only case, ever, to go forward regarding such an issue, with the express approval of a Court of Appeal. We believe that more than sufficient evidence exists to prove that the care these captive elephants receive constitutes civil and criminal abuse under California law. If we win this case, we can forever change the way elephants are treated in California; and based upon the inevitable publicity; we can change these abuses around the world.

We need your help to make this happen!

Please contribute to the Fund to Free Billy by clicking on the PayPal link below.

All donations will fund the upcoming trial on November 2 to close the elephant exhibit at the LA Zoo.

On Wednesday, March 24th, 2010, actor Robert Culp - a tireless champion for Billy's cause - passed away.

The elephants lost a true friend. He will be missed.

See:

Cher, Lily Tomlin, Robert Culp, Bob Barker, Kevin Nealon Speak Out Against Elephant Exhibit

Los Angeles Zoo lawsuit trial date set
Date of Trial: NOVEMBER 2nd, 2010
The lawsuit was originally filed in August, 2007 by attorney David Casselman on behalf of Plaintiffs Aaron Leider and actor Robert Culp against the LA Zoo claiming that the treatment of elephants at the zoo which has resulted in numerous deaths was not only cruel but also a waste of taxpayer funds. In May, 2008, the city won a Motion for Summary Judgment which was then appealed by Casselman. The Appellate Court ruled in Casselman's favor, saying that there were indeed triable issues. The city then appealed to the State Supreme Court to overturn the ruling, but the Supreme Court denied their request. The date of November 2, is set for the trial to begin.

Some people may ask "Why are zoos bad for elephants?" or “Don’t zoos actually help the species?" Please visit the Why Help Billy? page for answers to these questions.

Dr. Keith Lindsay, World-Renown Conservation Biologist and Elephant Expert, explains why Billy needs to be released

Billy's Emotional Problems

Billy's Foot Problems

SUPPORT FOR BILLY

In addition to the 10.5 MILLION MEMBERS of the Humane Society of the United States, as well as the members of SPCA LA, Born Free USA, Born Free UK and numerous other conservation and animal protection organizations around the world, the following celebrities have come forward to support Billy in his Fight for Freedom:


Lily Tomlin	Mariana Tosca	Paul Haggis	Bob Barker

James Franco	Brendan Fraser	Jason Patric	Willie Nelson

Susan Sarandon	Robert Culp	Kathy Joosten	Bill Maher

James Cromwell	Kim Basinger	Jorja Fox	Alicia Silverstone

Kevin Nealon	Esai Morales	Bernie Williams	Jane Velez-Mitchell

Cher	Nicolette Sheridan	Madeleine Stowe	Goldie Hawn

Tippi Hedren	Eric Roberts	Wolfgang & Maria Petersen	Dave Foley

Persia White	Lisa Simpson	Councilman Tony Cardenas	Congressman Dennis Kucinich