Activists are suing to challenge the Woodland Park Zoo's ownership of two Seattle elephants that are to be moved to the Oklahoma City Zoo.
The Elephant Justice Project alleges in a lawsuit that the city of Seattle did not have legal authority to give away the elephants and other property when it contracted with the nonprofit Woodland Park Zoological Society to manage and operate the zoo.
The zoo said last month it's planning to send its two Asian elephants, Bamboo and Chai, to Oklahoma City. Activists wanted them to go to a wildlife sanctuary.
A lawyer for the zoo society, Paul Lawrence, told The Associated Press on Tuesday the lawsuit doesn't have merit and he believes the zoo will prevail.
A zoo spokeswoman also says the zoo agreed not to move the elephants before an April 3 hearing in King County Superior Court.
-------------------------------
KGOU is a community-supported news organization and relies on contributions from readers and listeners to fulfill its mission of public service to Oklahoma and beyond. Donate online, or by contacting our Membership department.
