Thousands Come Together to Ask, ‘When Will Mali Be Free?’

Remember Mali, the only elephant at the Manila Zoo? She was taken as a baby from Sri Lanka in 1974 and has spent the last 35 years in a small concrete pen. People all around the world have asked that she be sent to a sanctuary, but the authorities have yet to grant her freedom.

But we’re making progress! Every day, Mali gains new supporters and friends. This week, the acclaimed musician formerly known as Cat Stevens, Yusuf Islam, became the latest celeb to express sadness at Mali’s plight, joining stars such as Brigitte Bardot and Morrissey in backing the campaign. Thousands of students in Metro Manila have also drawn cards and written letters for Mali, while vets and wildlife experts agree that Mali is not receiving adequate care at the zoo.

Earlier this year, a congressional resolution was passed that supports sending Mali to a sanctuary, yet the Manila city administration, including Mayor Alfredo Lim, is stalling and delaying her transfer. Meanwhile, Mali continues to suffer. This heartbreaking video shows the constant pain that she is in:

Mali committed no crime. She did nothing to warrant being locked up in solitary confinement for her entire life in a barren cell far from her natural environment and the company of other elephants. Like all caged animals, she deserves better.

They say that an elephant never forgets. But in this case, it’s up to us to show Mali that we won’t forget her – and that caring people around the world will keep up the pressure until she is transferred to a sanctuary.