A letter to PNoy on Mali

MANILA, Philippines - The latest public figure to join People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia’s campaign to have Mali, the ailing and solitary 39-year-old elephant who is wasting away in the Manila Zoo, transferred to a reputable sanctuary in Thailand, is environmental activist Julia “Butterfly” Hill, who gained fame for her successful campaign to save ancient California redwood trees. Julia lived in a 180-foot-tall, 1,500-year-old tree for more than two years.

In a letter sent to President Benigno Aquino III, who issued a directive to relocate Mali to a sanctuary, Hill thanks the president for “opening (his) heart to Mali” and asks him to direct those in power to move Mali to her new home as soon as possible. “We can demonstrate that helping animals in trouble is not only progressive but also simply the right thing to do,” writes Hill. “We can do better. We can be better. And Mali deserves better.”

 In her current environment, Mali is denied socialization, stimulation, room to explore, and everything else that is natural and important to her. She endures intense confinement, loneliness, boredom, and isolation in an area a tiny fraction of the size of her natural habitat. In a sanctuary, she would have sufficient room, the crucial company of other elephants, and constant access to the best veterinary care.

Other people and organizations that have called for Mali’s retirement include film legend Brigitte Bardot, Dr. Jane Goodall, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, famed musician Morrissey, and a dozen elephant veterinary experts.

Here is the letter that Julia sent to President Benigno Aquino:

“Thank you for opening your heart to Mali, the lonely elephant at the Manila Zoo. This sad elephant should not stand as a symbol of a country I know to be rich in culture and community. Please direct those who are in a position to move Mali to a sanctuary to put politics and protocol aside and get Mali on her way. 

 â€œMy life’s work is to help ensure that we, as a human family — we, the human animal species — will reconnect with the Earth, remembering that it is not so much our Earth, something we own, but rather a sacred, living, breathing, deeply interwoven and interconnected family of which we are a part. Animals like Mali are part of this natural world, and denying Mali her place in it is sad and wrong. 

 â€œAll of us are the ancestors of future generations. The Philippines is in a position to make a positive statement to its people, especially to its children. We can demonstrate that helping animals in trouble is not only progressive but also simply the right thing to do.  

 â€œWe can do better. We can be better. And Mali deserves better. Thank you.”