Mali’s suffering mocks teachings of Jesus, Francis

As the new Pope’s namesake, St. Francis of Assisi, said, “All creatures are created from the same paternal heartbeat of God.” Christ’s teachings of mercy and compassion are made a mockery of by the continued confinement of Mali the elephant at the Manila Zoo. Would Jesus have tormented one of God’s creatures capable of feeling pain and suffering, joy and sorrow?

Indeed, God’s purpose is spelled out in the Bible’s account of the Garden of Eden (Genesis 1) and in the visions of the prophets Isaiah, Amos, Micah and others. In every instance, God’s ideal is one in which there is no animal exploitation.

For God’s sake and the sake of all that is merciful and kind, send Mali to a sanctuary now where she can live her life as God intended.

—ROCHELLE REGODON

campaigns manager

People for the Ethical Treatment

of Animals-Asia, Unit 706

Fedman Bldg., 199 Salcedo St.,

Legaspi Village, Makati 1229