Get elephant Mali out of Manila Zoo now - solons

MANILA, Philippines  - Lawmakers pushed for the immediate transfer of Mali, a female Asian elephant, detained at the Manila Zoo for over 30 years to Thailand where the animal can live in a sanctuary.

Cagayan de Oro City 2nd district Rep. Rufus Rodriguez asked the local government, the Bureau of Animal Industry and the Protected Area and Wildlife Bureau to conduct the immediate transfer through House Resolution 2885.

Mali, who has been suffering from poor conditions, had recently been making headlines as different groups including the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals appealed to lawmakers and Manila Zoo administrators for the animal's relief.

Rodriguez, supported by Abante Mindanao party-list Rep. Maximo Rodriguez, said in a statement on Tuesday that the country does not have a sanctuary similar to Thailand's that can provide the elephant's needs, which include exercise for its ailing feet and the right environment.

"This preventive foot care is performed at every reputable zoo around the world, in recognition that this care is essential to the well-being of elephants since foot problems are the leading cause of death in captive elephants," Rodriguez said, citing findings of world-renowned elephant veterinarian Henry Richardson.

The lawmaker also said that Manila Zoo does not have facilities to treat Mali beyond topical ointments and laxatives.

"The sanctuary in Thailand which specializes in rehabilitating Asian elephants has offered to care for Mali," Rodriguez said.

Congressmen Mark Villar from Las Piñas City and Carlos Padilla from Nueva Vizcaya also issued in November a probe on Mali's case, urging an assessment of all Philippine zoos against international standards.