Free Billy. And the apes, birds ...

Re “L.A. councilmen address the elephant in the zoo,” Jan. 25

All zoos are abominations, more or less. In Los Angeles, we have wasted millions of dollars trying to imprison various animals for our viewing pleasure, and it is time to stop.

Why not move the animals to far larger and more appropriate locations outside the city and then devote the existing animal prison to an exhibit of wildlife using giant video monitors that could simulate the reality of wildlife experiences? Disney could be brought in to help with this.

In the meantime, let’s allow the L.A. Zoo’s 32-yearold elephant Billy an opportunity to enjoy the company of some ladies and friends before he dies.

William Bergmann

Hollywood

Our city uses volunteers to tally the number of homeless people on the streets. Our city’s streets are not swept weekly, garbage is not being picked up regularly, and sidewalks are a hazard.

Can’t Councilmen Paul Koretz and Mitch O’Farrell find more important things to do than hold continuous meetings on removing an elephant from the L.A. Zoo to some “sanctuary”?

For its elephant exhibit, the L.A. Zoo has been recognized by the Assn. of Zoos and Aquariums with a Significant Achievement award. This acknowledges the zoo’s dedication to the best in animal care and excellence in the area of public education.

Let’s allow people who know about elephants to do their jobs. Let’s hope our City Council members will try to do theirs.

Jerry Leach

Studio City

For all those concerned people envisioning Billy the elephant’s life at the L.A. Zoo, envision this: one solitary human being, standing on the rock, surrounded by herds and herds of staring elephants.

Wendy A. Robinson

Saugus