Tulsa Zoo shares update on elephants Billy and Tina

Billy and Tina, two Asian elephants from the Los Angeles Zoo, are settling into their new home at the Tulsa Zoo and remain in quarantine as they adjust. Zoo staff are using positive reinforcement training and personalized care to build trust before introducing them to the larger herd.

Monday, June 16th 2025, 7:08 am

By: Jeromee Scot

TULSA, Okla. -

The Tulsa Zoo is offering a closer look at how its two newest elephants, Billy and Tina, are adapting to their new surroundings after relocating from the Los Angeles Zoo.

Still in quarantine, the elephants are getting to know the Tulsa team and learning their new environment, while catching distant glimpses of the resident herd.

Getting Acquainted With a New Home

Billy, a 40-year-old male, and Tina, a 59-year-old female, were moved to Tulsa as part of a collaborative effort with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to ensure the elephants’ long-term well-being.

“They’re integrating well,” said Jordan Piha, curator of mammals at the Tulsa Zoo. “They’re learning different parts of our preserve barn and getting to see, hear and smell the other elephants.”

The elephants are not yet on public display but are adjusting behind the scenes.

Laying the Groundwork Before the Move

Long before Billy and Tina set foot in Oklahoma, the Tulsa team flew to California to begin building relationships.

“We started that transition early,” Piha said. “Some of our team met Billy and Tina and learned about their favorite foods, toys, and daily routines.”

Piha said this early effort helped ensure a smoother relocation and allowed Tulsa caregivers to tailor their care based on the elephants’ individual needs.

Bonding Through Positive Reinforcement

As part of their daily care, Billy and Tina are participating in positive reinforcement training, a method that rewards cooperation and builds trust.

“When they offer a behavior we’re asking for, they get a treat,” Piha said. “This is how we do baths, foot care and move around the facility all with their participation.”

Zoo staff say this technique is critical to developing safe, trusting relationships with the elephants over time.

What’s Next for Billy and Tina?

The zoo has not yet announced when Billy and Tina will join the rest of the herd or be viewable to the public. For now, the focus is on making them feel at home.

“They’re really starting to settle in with our crew here,” Piha said.