Aquino’s directive on Mali ignored for past 14 months and counting

PETA’S phone has been ringing off the hook with calls from veterinarians around the world who, like us, are outraged by the inaccurate and ambiguous statements that Dr. Nikorn Thongtip has made to media about Mali, the elephant at the Manila Zoo. Thongtip’s area of specialization is in elephant reproduction. He is not qualified to assess Mali’s health, in particular, her foot problems.

His statements directly contradict the opinions of more than a dozen elephant experts and veterinarians with decades of experience in caring for elephants, many of whom have specialized in the areas of foot care and socialization research. The fact that Mali has never been provided with proper preventative foot care—something that every reputable zoo in the world provides its elephants with—is enough ground to state that her care and primary interests have been grossly neglected.

In addition, Mali is exhibiting a behavior called “favoring,” whereby she is repeatedly shifting weight off one leg at a time, as well as leaning on the walls of her enclosure. Any elephant expert would know that this behavior indicates  a problem and constant pain in the limbs and joints. A video showing Mali’s favoring behavior can be seen on FreeMali.com.

Thongtip claims that Mali needs to be trained for a “trickle wash” to test for tuberculosis. A more accurate result can be obtained from performing a multiantigen print immunoassay test, which is a type of blood test. Trunk washing is unreliable because the test only detects active—not latent—infections. It is shocking that an “expert” would not be aware of this.  Peta is also questioning why this test was not done during Mali’s recent blood exam.

The well-known and researched emotional intelligence of elephants is clear. Numerous scientific studies have revealed that the opportunity to socialize is absolutely integral to the well-being of female elephants. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums has long recognized that elephants should never be housed alone.

As per Manila Zoo’s own admission, Mali is fed a diet high in white bread, popsicles and condensed milk. Thongtip watched as Mali was fed loaves of bread. Any expert would undoubtedly oppose this.

Fourteen months after President Aquino’s directive, a thorough assessment of Mali has not been performed by the government. Peta and experts around the world are concerned about the health of Mali’s feet. Properly cared for elephants of the same age as Mali do not have cracked foot pads and nails or overgrown cuticles because they are provided with natural substrates to walk on and, more importantly, a regular foot-care program. With Mali’s pronounced favoring behavior, we are stunned that Thongtip failed to observe or address this.

The world is watching and waiting for the day when Mali can enjoy her life in a sanctuary. Mali’s barren existence doesn’t even come close to resembling the lives of elephants roaming freely, relishing each other’s company, playing in rivers, and trumpeting excitedly to their friends.

—DR. MANILAL VALLIYATE,

veterinary affairs consultant,

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) Asia,

Makati City