Aiza, Charice want Mali freed

MANILA, Philippines - Singers Aiza Seguerra and Charice have joined the ranks of celebrities who are pushing for the transfer of Mali the elephant to a sanctuary, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) said yesterday.

In a statement, PETA said that the two musicians posed for “mugshots” while holding the sign “Charice Wants Mali Freed” and “Aiza Wants Mali Freed.”

In a public service announcement, Charice said she “just can’t imagine how it feels for Mali to be alone and not getting (the) attention that Mali deserves. And not only that, she’s not getting some serious and important care that she actually really needs.”

Seguerra, on the other hand, said Mali “has been sentenced to a life of loneliness, misery, and neglect.” She criticized a plan to bring more elephants to Manila Zoo to keep Mali company, calling it “outrageous. They would have to endure the same cramped, concrete conditions; lack of exercise; and improper veterinary care as Mali has for the past 36 years.”

The two singers are scheduled to have a concert next month.