Check zoos, protect the animals -solon

MANILA, Philippines - Las Piñas City Rep. Mark Villar took a cue from an Asian elephant named Mali imprisoned for 30 years and suffered in severe conditions in Manila Zoo.

Villar, who penned House Resolution 2859, sought a probe by the House Committees on Natural Resources and Ecology on the conditions of Philippine zoos and assess best interests of animals.

Operation and maintenance of zoos must also be checked against international standards, Villar said.

"In the pursuit of this policy, it is the objective of the state to conserve and protect wildlife species and their habitats to promote ecological balance and enhance biological diversity," Villar said.

The lawmaker also urged zookeepers to put the animals in sanctuaries that are similar to their natural habitats instead of in cells such as where Mali was kept.

Citing elephant veterinarian Henry Richardson, Villar said the 38-year-old elephant is not only suffering from "profound loneliness" but from chronic pressure sores exposed to infection, foot ailments, cracked nails, overgrown cuticles and cracked soles.

"There is a need to assess the best interest of Mali and all other animals similarly situated in our zoos and other sanctuaries in order to promote the proper adaptation of wildlife animals' environment for the best care and management of animals," Villar added.