World Elephant Day

On August 12, 2012, the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation declared the first World Elephant Day. The goal of this is to "bring attention to the urgent plight of Asian and African elephants." During this day of awareness, the foundation asks people to "express your concern, share your knowledge and support solutions for the better care of captive and wild elephants alike."

To show my support for this day, I am going to talk about the plight of the Philippines' lone elephant, Mali. 

Mali, an Asian elephant whose full name is Vishwamali, was transferred from Sri Lanka to Manila Zoo in 1977 when she was orphaned at the young age of 3 (other sources say 4). Since then, she has lived in captivity in the said zoo.

Animal rights activists such as PETA have been voicing their concerns about Mali's situation, saying that female elephants go together in groups. They are known to stay with their families and are happy to be around the company of others. Since Mali has been living alone in her small enclosure, activists say that she has been living a life of loneliness, boredom and isolation.

In May 2012, an examination on Mali was performed by Dr. Henry Richardson, an elephant expert. Dr. Richardson diagnosed Mali with foot problems. These foot problems, including cracked nails, overgrown cuticles, and cracked pads are the leading causes of death in captive elephants. Other known personalities who have expressed their support and appealed for Mali's freedom include Paul McCartney, The Smashing Pumpkins, and Morrissey.

However, Deogracias Manimbo, head of Manila’s Public Recreation and Parks Bureau, which oversees the Manila Zoo, said that Mali is already used to her environment in the zoo and that she might not be able to handle an environment dissimilar to what she has gotten used to. Manimbo also added that Mali might not survive in the wild. Meanwhile, the chief veterinarian in Manila Zoo, Donald Manalastas told Agence France-Presse that Mali is well and fit. He also mentioned that the zoo "expanded the enclosure of Mali and increased her food with more nutrients."

Last July 31, newly-elected Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada said that Mali will be transferred to the Zoobic Safari park in Subic and will return to Manila Zoo after renovations to her enclosure is completed.

Based on the arguments given by the two sides, what do you think is the best thing to do with Mali?