I am writing to you today concerning a matter that is very close to my heart—the plight of Mali, the lone elephant at the Manila Zoo. I am an American citizen and have never visited the Philippines, yet elements of Mali’s life bear stark similarities to my own.
During World War II, in the Oschersleben raid on Jan. 11, 1944, I was shot down over Germany and was held captive in a prisoner-of-war (POW) camp for 16 months. Much like Mali, I had a terrible diet, which consisted mainly of cheese, following an explosion at the cheese factory next door. But it was better than the white bread, popsicles, and condensed milk that Mali gets. Also like Mali, I had poor healthcare. I broke my leg when my parachute was caught in a tree after I jumped out of my plane. The leg was set incorrectly, and the only painkiller I received was a shot of schnapps, but that was still more than what Mali gets for her foot pain right now.
For two years, I was unable to communicate with my family members—who thought I was dead, until I turned up at my dad’s workplace after the war. I was lucky to have others with me in the camp, and I spent only a week in solitary confinement. Mali has been held for more than three decades, so I again count my blessings when I compare my hardships to Mali’s.
I’m 91 years old now, but the time I spent in the POW camp all those years ago has forever scarred my life. I can only imagine how decades of captivity have affected Mali. But a person can recover from this trauma. I did! I have had a very fulfilling life with a happy marriage and two kids. Over time, I became comfortable talking about my imprisonment. I didn’t have the expert help that Mali will get at a sanctuary, but I managed, nonetheless. Much has changed in the world since I was a POW, but freedom remains the same: It’s what we fought for and what we all know to be right. Although you don’t need to have been a prisoner to be able to appreciate freedom, surely the joy and happiness that we can give Mali at a sanctuary is what she deserves.
—LOUIS H. GILL,
louisgill733@yahoo.com