MANILA, Philippines - Mali, the Philippines' sole elephant, passed away on Tuesday after spending over four decades confined in a Manila Zoo enclosure. The elephant's passing sparked renewed calls for the Philippines to reconsider its stance on keeping wild animals in captivity.
In a social media address, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuña confirmed Mali's passing, stating that the elephant, also known as Vishwamali, passed away at approximately 3:45 PM. A necropsy was conducted to determine the exact cause of death, but no further details were provided.
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Mali was brought to the Philippines as a gift to then-First Lady Imelda Marcos in 1977, hailing from Sri Lanka. Wild elephants typically have a lifespan of 60 to 70 years, according to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
Mali's passing came just months after animal welfare advocates urged the government to relocate the elephant to a sanctuary overseas.
The advocates argued that Mali's isolation and unnatural habitat were detrimental to her well-being, highlighting the ethical concerns surrounding keeping wild animals in captivity. Mali's passing has reignited the debate over the Philippines' animal welfare policies and the need to prioritize the well-being of wild animals.
Mali's story serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by wild animals in captivity and the importance of ensuring their welfare. As the Philippines grapples with this loss, it has an opportunity to reassess its approach to animal welfare and prioritize the needs of these sentient beings.
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