Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo began moving its elephants to the Oklahoma City Zoo Wednesday evening.
The zoo announced in February they would be moving the elephants.
Click here to see photos of the animals.
Earlier Wednesday, the United States Courts for the Ninth Circuit denied an emergency motion for injunctive relief.
The controversy over the elephants’ health and habitat reached a peak when a 45-year-old African elephant, Watoto, had to be euthanized last August when she was not able to stand up.
In 2007, a 6-year-old Asian elephant named Hansa suddenly died. She was determined to have had herpes.
Some Seattle City councilmembers have suggested withholding discretionary funding unless the zoo gives up the elephant exhibit, and elephant advocates have rallied for the animals to be moved to a sanctuary.
President and CEO of Woodland Park Zoo Dr. Deborah Jensen released as statement after the federal ruling allowing the move to Oklahoma to go forward:
"We are grateful to the federal Ninth Circuit for denying the emergency motion for a preliminary injunction that would have delayed the move of our two elephants to Oklahoma City Zoo.
"Today's decision clears the way for us to proceed with moving our elephants, Bamboo and Chai, to join their new family at Oklahoma City Zoo. Focusing on the welfare of our elephants remains our top priority and it is important for us to move them now while the weather conditions are favorable.
"For the safety and security of Bamboo and Chai, we are unable to announce the exact timing of departure but will inform our zoo family and community once they have safely left the grounds of Woodland Park Zoo.
"On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff, I want to thank the community for your continued support during this complicated time. We will keep everyone updated when the elephants are on the road."
