Mali, the 38-year-old female elephant, has been living in an enclosure in a small enclosure of Manila Zoo for thirty-four years. In 1979 Mali was given by the government of Sri Lanka to the Republic of the Philippines as a form of a gift between two nations. After three decades of captivity in a concrete enclosure, a new opportunity has opened for the lonely elephant to spend her remaining days in the wild. PETA Asia, along with other animal activists and volunteer has called the attention not only of the local and national government of the Philippines but also, the sympathy of other nations, and several known personalities. Mali is offered a second chance to live in an elephant sanctuary in Thailand, The Thai Elephant Conservation Center, where she would be able to live with her own kind, not to mention be given proper care and ample medical attention by experts. The 500 acre sanctuary proffers a better life for Mali compared to the one-quarter of an acre that Manila Zoo has for her. With all these good prospects offered, one cannot help but question why Mali is still suffering, as PETA Asia puts it, in a small pen in Manila Zoo after years of campaigning for her freedom?
The gentle creature that is the star of Manila Zoo is oblivious to the tug-of-war that has been going on in which she is the price. Despite the unceasing efforts of PETA Asia towards Mali’s freedom, little progress has been made since the campaign started several years ago. The local government unit of Manila has been adamant in keeping Mali, retaining their claim that she is being given sufficient care by the zookeepers and zoo volunteers known as the Friends of Manila Zoo. PETA Asia’s proposals have been met with doubts and worries for Mali’s safety. Both parties are concerned with Mali’s well being, but they have very different views on how to address the issue. The zoo claims that the transfer would only pose a risk to Mali, PETA Asia
References: • Free Mali. "Info on the 'Free Mali ' campaign". http://www.freemali.com/campaign-info.aspx/. May 30, 2013. Web • Friends of Manila Zoo. "An elephant love story: Real stories of Manila Zoo". http://friendsofmanilazoo.org/2011/elephant-love-story-real-stories-manila-zoo/. May 30, 2013. Web • GMA News Online. "Manila remains firm vs sending Mali the elephant to sanctuary abroad". http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/280273/news/nation/manila-zoo-remains-firm-vs-sending-mali-the-elephant-to-sanctuary-abroad/. May 30, 2013. Web • GMA News Online. "Malacañang responds to Morrissey elephant appeal, tasks experts to check on Mali". http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/258441/news/nation/malacanang-responds-to-morrissey-elephant-appeal-tasks-experts-to-check-on-mali/. May 30, 2013. Web • GMA News Online. "Elephant expert says Manila Zoo 's Mali is suffering". http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/262422/news/metromanila/elephant-expert-says-manila-zoo-s-mali-is-suffering/. May 30, 2013. Web • GMA News Online. "House panel OKs resolution for elephant Mali’s transfer, but zookeepers won’t let go". http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/292648/news/metromanila/house-panel-oks-resolution-for-elephant-mali-s-transfer-but-zookeepers-won-t-let-go/. May 30, 2013. Web • GMA News Online. "As Mali awaits her fate, Manila Zoo 's lone elephant still charms crowds". http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/293020/lifestyle/people/as-mali-awaits-her-fate-manila-zoo-s-lone-elephant-still-charms-crowds/. May 30, 2013. Web • GMA News Online. "Candidate Erap turns elephant lover". http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/307685/news/nation/candidate-erap-turns-elephant-lover/. May 30, 2013. Web