The Manila Zoo Has Failed Mali

Mali, the Manila Zoo’s lonely and ailing elephant, still has not been sent to a sanctuary. Dr Jane Goodall recently joined the effort to help Mali by writing to the Philippines president to support his directive ordering that Mali be reviewed and considered for transfer to a sanctuary. In the letter, Goodall emphasizes the importance of transferring Mali as soon as possible so that Mali can finally receive proper veterinary care and enjoy the companionship of other elephants.

“I am heartened to learn that you agree that action must be taken for this ailing elephant,” writes Goodall. “Elephants need the company and companionship of other elephants. Even if Mali were in a sound state physically, keeping her alone in a cramped, barren pen is still ethically indefensible.”

“The Manila Zoo has failed Mali. Not only is she suffering from isolation and captivity-induced foot problems, I’ve also learned that she has not even had basic blood work conducted in the three and a half decades that she’s been at the zoo,” Goodall continues. “The demonstrated lack of preventive care and prophylactic treatment is indicative of the inadequate expertise available to Mali. This elephant has suffered long enough.”

Considered the world’s foremost ethologist, Goodall has a decades-long career that encompasses work on many conservation issues. For her environmental and humanitarian work, she has been named a Dame Commander of the British Empire and a United Nations Messenger of Peace and has been recognised by France, Japan, Spain and Tanzania, among other nations.

You can join Goodall by sending a message in support of Mali’s transfer, too.

Image: lifescript / CC-BY-SA-2.0