Seattle officials oppose elephants’ move to Oklahoma City Zoo

SEATTLE (AP) – A spokesman for Seattle Mayor Ed Murray says the mayor is disappointed by Woodland Park Zoo’s decision to ship its two elephants to the Oklahoma City Zoo – but there’s little the mayor can do.

Spokesman Viet Shelton said Tuesday it’s the zoo’s choice to determine where to send the elephants.

The Seattle Times reports (http://is.gd/53g2Qb) that while local governments provide about 30 percent of the zoo’s funding, they have limited power over the nonprofit that operates Woodland Park under a contract.

Murray joined a majority of the City Council in asking that the zoo consider sending the elephants to a sanctuary – or a home where they would have more space per animal and live in a warmer climate.

A lawyer for Friends of Woodland Park Zoo Elephants says the group continues to explore all legal options to the planned move.

Officials have said the move could come as early as mid-March.