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.

Ruby, the Gentle Matriarch

of PAWS African Elephants

February 18, 1961- March 29, 2011

On May 15, 2007, the Los Angeles Zoo delivered Ruby, a 46-year-old African elephant, to ARK 2000, PAWS' 2,300-acre sanctuary in San Andreas, California, to live in retirement with 71, Mara and Lulu, PAWS three African elephants.

Within days, Ruby had socialized with the other elephants and became an important member of the group, roaming the hills and foraging on the grassy slopes with her new friends.

Ruby became the respected and beloved matriarch of the group over the next few years, and was often seen on top of the hill, ears flared, guarding her companions with the fierce determination of a wild elephant matriarch.

Everyone who worked with Ruby was mesmerized by her beautiful eyes and her gentle disposition. She will be missed by elephants, caregivers and her many fans who were privileged to share her life.

At 50 years of age, Ruby was one of the oldest African elephants in captivity.

Ruby died at 6 p.m. on March 29th. Ruby's veterinarian, Dr. Jackie Gai, PAWS director, Pat Derby, and the entire elephant staff were with her when she passed. A necropsy is being performed at UC Davis, and results are still pending.

Ruby's records show that prior to her transfer to Los Angeles Zoo, she was transferred several times and performed with Circus Vargas. The trauma from capture and transfer is devastating to a young elephant. Obviously, Ruby's life was the ultimate cause of her death.

The loss of this magnificent individual is a direct result of captivity and its traumatizing effect on elephants. We must stop the senseless capture and export of wild elephants and keep elephants in the wild.

REST IN PEACE DEAR FRIEND.

Pat Derby

President

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	Goldie Hawn	Madeleine Stowe

Tippi Hedren	Eric Roberts	Wolfgang & Maria Petersen	Dave Foley

Persia White	Lisa Simpson	Councilman Tony Cardenas	Congressman Dennis Kucinich