More than 35 years ago in a lush forest in Sri Lanka, Mali, a barely weaned baby elephant, was stolen from its mother.
She was transported to a zoo in Manila where she continues to languish to this day. Elephants are intelligent and very familial.
Can you imagine being separated so young from your mother?
Mali has led a sad life in captivity, alone, with no other elephant for company.
Mali does not get veterinary treatment even as thousands of caring people around the world have petitioned to move the elephant to a sanctuary in Thailand.
Many animal organizations have also tried to purchase Mali so she can be released, but the Manila Zoo refuses to let her live the natural life that she was intended to live. Mali’s feet
are sore and cracked from pacing the dry dirt in her small captive area.
Is there no compassion left for a poor neglected elephant such as Mali?
Please live with compassion. Speak up for Mali’s release to Thailand.
Contact the zoo, tell them how you feel. Contact local officials who can help free Mali. Go see Mali if you can; it will bring tears to your eyes. Animals suffer so much at the hands of humans who only think of their ego and greed.
DAVID KNIGHTLY, United States