Actress Lily Tomlin Urges Dallas to Send Jenny to Sanctuary. Cross Post Widely

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 4, 2008(Cross Posting Approved)

 

 

LILY TOMLIN URGES DALLAS TO SEND JENNY THE ELEPHANT TO A SANCTUARY

Renowned

Actress Takes on New Role as Elephant Advocate

 

Los Angeles, Calif. – Actress, comedian, writer and

producer Lily Tomlin is making an impassioned plea to Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert

and the City Council to send Jenny, the Dallas Zoo elephant at the center of a

growing controversy, to The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee.

 

The award-winning actress sent a letter to the mayor and

city council this week, asking them to intercede on behalf of Jenny, whom the

Dallas Zoo wishes to send to Africam Safari, a drive-through tourist attraction

in Puebla, Mexico.

 

"This

is no laughing matter," says Tomlin. "Jenny's life is on the line. The Elephant

Sanctuary clearly is the best place for her because it provides hundreds of

acres, the company of other African elephants, and the expertise and experience

needed to provide for Jenny's special needs."

In

her letter, Tomlin cites lack of U.S. animal welfare protections and lack of

space and the companionship of other African elephants as reasons for her

opposition to the move. At Africam, Jenny would live on a portion of a 4.9-acre

display that now holds only Asian elephants, a different species from Jenny who

is African. In contrast, The Elephant Sanctuary provides a secluded and serene

environment, with three African elephants currently living on 300 acres.

Tomlin

has lent her name and acting skills to assist animal organizations in the past.

And she will be forever known for her character Edith Ann, who shared whimsical

stories about her best friend, a dog named Buster.

"Jenny's

plight grabbed my heart because, after spending most of her life in captivity,

she finally has a chance to live a life much closer to what nature intended for

her," says Tomlin. "I strongly urge the City of Dallas to do the right thing

and give Jenny the life she deserves at The Elephant Sanctuary."

*Editor's Note: Copy of Lily Tomlin Letter to Mayor Leppert Attached*