In an upsetting development from the Philippines, Mali, who was once dubbed as the world’s “saddest elephant,” has passed away in Manila Zoo.
Tragic news
This announcement has not only saddened animal lovers but also raised serious questions about the captivity and treatment of wildlife in zoos.
Mali had been a resident of the Manila Zoo since 1977, according to BBC News, confirming that she passed away on Tuesday.
She was just three years old when she was moved from her native Sri Lanka to the Philippines.
Held in captivity for over three decades
Throughout her life, she was confined to a small, concrete enclosure that failed to provide her with the stimulation and companionship needed for an elephant’s mental and physical well-being.
According to reports, animal rights activists had been advocating for years for Mali’s transfer to a sanctuary where she could roam freely, socialize with other elephants, and live a life closer to what nature intended for her.
The sad state of Mali had caught international attention, with celebrities making an appeal to the Philippine government to release her.
Celebrities previously pleaded for her release
Celebrities have voiced their frustrations about captive animals – including Mali – more than ever in recent years, such as Paul McCartney, who had also pleaded with the government to release her.
“I am writing to add my voice to the many others who are supporting the transfer of Mali, the lonely elephant currently being held at the Manila Zoo, to a sanctuary in Thailand as soon as possible,” he wrote in a 2012 letter.
He made the same request to the Indian government in 2022 for another captive elephant called Jeymalyatha, who had allegedly been abused for years.
“I have considered India a spiritual place ever since I traveled there in the 1960s. I was impressed by India’s cultural love for animals,” McCartney wrote in a touching letter to the government.
“I know India reveres elephants, its national heritage animal, but cruelty to animals happens everywhere, even in India,” he added.
“What reflects on a country’s values is how that cruelty is addressed.”
Social media is in complete uproar
And it seems the Philippines is facing a lot of scrutiny now as people have been left outraged over Mali’s death because nothing was done to prevent this from happening.
Mali continued to live in solitary confinement until her death despite desperate pleas from locals and celebrities to have her freed.
The news of her demise has spread with a wave of sorrow across social media… and for obvious reasons.
These animals deserve their freedom
It has also reignited the debate on animal rights and the ethics of keeping wild animals in confinement, particularly since these animals can be locked up for decades, if not a lifetime.
People on social media have argued that zoos are inherently cruel, as they deny animals their natural behaviors and social structures.
They believe that Mali’s case should remind people of the physical and psychological toll that captivity can have on these animals.
Mali’s loneliness and despair ultimately contributed to her passing after spending her entire life in confinement.
Locking wildlife animals in a zoo can lead to severe health issues
Now, in an ideal world, wild animals like elephants would be free to roam in their natural habitats, forming bonds with their own kind and living life on their own terms.
More than ever, people are urging zoos to strive to provide them with living conditions that mimic their natural habitats as closely as possible.
The passing of Mali is undoubtedly tragic.
But if it leads to tangible changes in how we treat captive animals, then perhaps her life and death will not have been in vain.
According to PETA, zoos can be cruel environments for all animals.
They deserve to be in their natural habit
They often deny animals their natural behaviors and social structures.
Elephants in the wild live in close-knit matriarchal groups, but in zoos, they are often said to be kept alone or with few companions.
This separation can lead to loneliness and severe psychological stress, significantly impacting their well-being.
May she rest in peace.