Group Files Lawsuit In Effort To Stop Elephant Move To OKC Zoo

A group opposed to a plan to move two Asian elephants from the Woodland Park Zoo to Oklahoma City has filed a federal lawsuit claiming the move violates the Endangered Species Act.

A local television station reports that the Elephant Justice Project filed the lawsuit this week. It says the zoo failed to get a permit that the act requires.

The zoo plans to move Bamboo and Chai to the Oklahoma City Zoo, where they'll be able to socialize with other elephants.

3/4/15 Related Story: Despite Protests, Seattle To Send Two Elephants To OKC Zoo

The group says the animals should be sent to a sanctuary. They already filed a lawsuit in state court, but the latest suit in federal court focuses on the Endangered Species Act. The group says the act prohibits the transport of endangered species. The zoo denies it needs a permit.