The Sad Story of an Elephant Named "MALI"

        I have been hearing a lot about Mali, the lone female elephant at the Manila Zoo. Over time, she has become as controversial as our politicos and artistas. So why is she the talk of the town as of late? A lot of animal rights activists and groups, here and abroad, are clamoring for her release from her cramped enclosure at the said zoo and be transferred to a sanctuary somewhere in Thailand (Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary). This petition has already reached the halls of Congress, wherein three resolutions had already been filed in support of Mali’s release and transfer. But despite such individual, group, and legislative efforts, Mali is still very much around at the Manila Zoo.

The Concern

        An assessment of Mali by experts yielded two things: she is suffering from both physical and psychological problems. The concrete ground in her enclosure is the culprit behind her foot sores – cracked nails, overgrown cuticles, and cracked pads, which are all susceptible to infection. In the wild, elephants walk on a variety of substrates, unlike in Mali's pen. But the most disturbing finding is her psychological well being. Mali is alone, depressed, and bored, which are the resultants of more than three decades of isolation from other animals of her own kind (zoochosis). In the wild, elephants live in herds. The female ones in particular, stay in their herds for their entire lives.

"The most important thing in an elephant's life 

are friends and family, as it is for us humans."

- Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick

"Female elephants in their natural habitat never leave the herd.

They are in constant communication with other members of the family.

Mali's social and psychological needs are being neglected at the 

Manila Zoo. Even the best intentions...cannot replace these needs,

which can only be met by the companionship of other elephants."

- Dr. Mel Richardson 

The Apprehensions

        Despite the numerous calls for Mali’s transfer, zoo officials are not in favor of their captive animal leaving them. Donald Manalastas, chief of Manila Zoo’s zoological division, cited that Mali’s age makes her unfit for travel. Moreover, she may not also survive in the sanctuary according to her caretaker Jon Chua. This could well be the case since Mali is not used to such environment, for she never grew up and matured in such environment to begin with. For Noel Co, another caretaker of Mali, she could be mistreated by handlers that will move her out of the zoo and ship her to Thailand.

     

        Zoo officials and staff may have a point. Mali may encounter difficulties in traveling and adjusting to her new environment in the Thai sanctuary, since she never grew up in the wild, and never grew up in the company of other elephants. Thus, placing her in a sanctuary could lead to more harm than good. However, there are documented cases of elephants that have successfully adapted themselves to life in a sanctuary, even after so many years of living alone in captivity.

"In my experience, even elephants who have been alone 

for more than 20 years integrate well

 with other elephants when moved to a sanctuary.” 

- Dr. Mel Richardson 

Mali's Origins

        Mali (Vishwamali) was born in Sri Lanka in 1974. She was three years old when she was shipped by the Sri Lankan government to our country, as a gift to then First Lady Imelda Marcos. The elephant was personally welcomed by the former First Lady no less at the airport, and she considered the baby elephant as a precious symbol of friendship between Sri Lanka and the Philippines. Recently, Mrs. Marcos has also joined the others in their appeal for Mali's transfer:

"If this transfer would protect the best interest of Mali, then I post 

no objection on this and I would like to express my full support to this initiative.

Though Mali would be greatly missed, I will be happy to see her

embark on a journey towards a better life." 

- Rep. Imelda Marcos

Conclusion

        Mali has been with us since 1977. So for almost 36 years, the Asian elephant has been bringing immeasurable joy and delight to countless Filipino children (and adults too). Let us all return the favor to Mali by setting her free, and allowing her to enjoy her remaining years at a sanctuary in Thailand where hopefully, she will enjoy the company of other elephants and explore and cherish nature’s grandeur. Let us hope and pray that her innate instinct and intelligence will make her survive in that sanctuary.

Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary, Sukhothai, Northern Thailand

 

Let us all embark on this unselfish act once and for all.
Before it is too late for Mali, and for us.......

SOURCES:
petaasiapacific.com
gmanetwork.com
elephant.se
Animal Scene (March 2013)
Philippine Star (March 16, 2013