Mali (elephant)

Vishwamali, commonly known as Mali, is a female Asian elephant which is best known for being a major attraction of Manila Zoo in Manila, Philippines.

Mali
Mali in 2018
SpeciesElephas maximus
SexFemale
BornVishwamali
1974 (age 48–49)
Sri Lanka
Nation fromPhilippines
Notable roleAnimal exhibit at the Manila Zoo

Early life

Vishwamali, nicknamed Mali, was in Sri Lanka in 1974. Mali is a female Asian elephant (Elephas maximus).[1] She was moved into the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage after her mother died of natural causes.[2] In 1977, when Mali was three years old, the Sri Lankan government gifted the elephant to then Philippine First Lady Imelda Marcos.[3] The elephant was presented at the Malacañang Palace prior to her transfer to Manila Zoo.[2]

Captivity at Manila Zoo
Mali in 2023

When Mali was moved to Manila Zoo, she was placed in an enclosure with another female elephant named Shiba. Shiba, who was rescued from a circus, was territorial and behaved aggressively towards Mali. Following Shiba's death, Mali was able to roam around her enclosure more freely.[2]

Treatment and condition
Mali in 2009

Mali's condition has been a subject of concern by various animal welfare groups.

Mali has been part of a campaign led by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) alleging the elephant is subject to neglect and has been urging for the release of the elephant. PETA has campaigned for the move of Mali to an elephant to a sanctuary in Thailand, but there are concerns that the elephant may not be able to adapt to a new environment if moved out of the Manila Zoo.[4] PETA alternatively had proposed Mali to be moved to the Elephant Sanctuary in the United States.[1] The Network for Animals (NFA), which maintains a stance against zoos in general, makes an exception for Mali. Despite its stance, the NFA expressed in 2018 that Manila Zoo is "the best option" in Mali's case.[5]

There are also contrary reports which suggest Mali is healthy. In 2013, Mali underwent a checkup in a lead up to a potential transfer to Thailand. Nikorn Thongtip of Kasetsart University remarked that Mali is "healthy in every system" although exhibited "a little bit obesity". Thongtip remarked that the elephant's nails "do not look bad, compared to elephants of the same age". Although Thongtip has said that Mali had to be tested for tuberculosis, before it could be moved to Thailand.[2] In 2018, results of blood test conducted on Mali, suggests the elephant is healthy, although the animal is still remarked to be overweight and is under a diet plan.[5]

See also

References
  1. Legaspi, Amita (16 May 2012). "Malacañang responds to Morrissey elephant appeal, tasks experts to check on Mali". GMA News. Retrieved 6 June 2021.
  2. Lagman, Maxine Louise (1 April 2019). "Mali, the Sri Lankan elephant". Animal Scene. Retrieved 6 June 2021.
  3. Yap, D.J. (2013-06-30). "'Mali' in pink of health, says elephant expert from Thailand". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 7 June 2021.
  4. Felongco, Gilbert (30 June 2019). "Manila zoo's jumbo-sized poser: What to do with Mali the Elephant?". Gulf News. Retrieved 6 June 2021.
  5. Limos, Mario Alvaro (27 July 2020). "The Interesting Story of Mali, the Philippines' Only Elephant". Esquire. Retrieved 6 June 2021.
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