Immediate transfer of elephant sought

CATHOLIC Bishops Conference of the Philippines president Archbishop Jose Palma wishes the “immediate” release of “Mali” The Elephant from her 32-year captivity at the Manila Zoo.

Mali, 36 years old and weighing seven tons, has been at the zoo for 32 years. She was orphaned at four years old.

In a letter sent to the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta), Palma agreed that there is a need to immediately release the elephant, saying it might help the animal extend her life.

“A sanctuary could offer Mali a chance to save her from years of boredom and misery, and above all, save her life,” Palma said.

“It is my ardent wish, therefore, that this initiative be done at the soonest time possible,” he added.

In doing so, the Cebu prelate said it would end Mali’s 32 years of “intense confinement, loneliness, boredom and isolation.”

“She will have the opportunity to spend more years as she would in her natural habitat, grazing, plucking fruit and leaves from trees, taking mud baths, and spending hours a day swimming and playing in the water, with the company of other elephants,” Palma said.

Last month, Peta and British rock icon, Morrissey, wrote President Benigno Aquino III asking him to order the release of Mali and be sent into retirement and allowed to live in a US sanctuary for aging elephants.

Malacañang responded by saying it has already ordered the Bureau of Animal Industry to evaluate the condition of Mali. (HDT/Sunnex)