Mayor Isko Moreno Believes Elephant Mali is Better in Zoo than in the Wild
MAYOR ISKO MORENO – The Manila Mayor spoke about the Philippines’ lone elephant, Mali, that is in Manila Zoo.
The Philippines has one elephant named Mali. It was from the government of Sri Lanka. The elephant was only three (3) years old when it was sent to the country.
Mali was found orphaned in the wild in the 1970s. Upon its arrival to the Philippines, it was brought to Manila Zoo which is the oldest menagerie in Southeast Asia. Recently, changes were implemented in Manila Zoo for its betterment. The elephant now has a new and bigger enclosure.
Amid a wider space being given to Mali, there are several animal rights groups calling for the release of the elephant from the zoo. As for Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, he believes that Mali has a better chance of survival in the zoo than in the wild.
Based on a report on ABS-CBN News, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno expressed that Mali is hard to travel. He further stressed that it is not good for the elephant to be returned to the wild since she grew up in the zoo and the wild may be harmful to her.
According to the Manila Mayor, the elephant has difficulties moving and adjusting to a new environment. He stressed that she still prefers her old pen although her new place is bigger, cleaner, and even has a pond. The elephant is now 50 years old thus they are extra careful in dealing with her. She is cared for by a veterinarian.
Speaking to ABS-CBN News, Manila Public Recreation Bureau director Alipio Morabe Jr. said that elephants need around six (6) months to adapt into a new place. Mayor Moreno assured that they will give the best services for Mali. Currently, Manila Zoo has four (4) in-house veterinarians.
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