People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), an animal rights group based in Asia, called for accountability for the death of Mali, Philippines' lone elephant.
In a brief statement posted on Wednesday, Nov. 29, PETA Asia mourned for the loss of Mali, a 49-year-old elephant that was under the custody of Manila Zoo.
"We’re so sorry, Mali. You deserved better," it said.
The Asia-based animal rights group contended that the Manila Zoo and Manila City officials ignored Mali’s "clearly painful foot problems" despite their repeated warnings about this.
"Every person who denied her veterinary care & blocked her transfer to a sanctuary should be held accountable," it stressed.
PETA Asia expressed gratitude to those who joined them in calling for the Asian elephant's release from captivity.
"Thank you to everyone who rallied for her release, from Dr. Jane Goodall & Sir Paul McCartney to a host of Filipino stars and thousands of schoolchildren," it said.
In 2013, PETA Asia and other animal rights groups called for Mali's transfer to a natural environment where she could live with other elephants.
PETA Asia also earlier raised that Mali had exhibited constant pain.
"Mali shows signs of pain in all of her limbs but favors her front leg the most. She frequently shifts weight off her front left foot onto her legs. Her pain doesn't have to continue. A sanctuary can provide Mali with expert care and a natural environment," it said.
Mali was regarded as one of the world's saddest elephants since she lived alone in cramped solitary confinement.
Meanwhile, in a press briefing in the early morning of Wednesday, Manila Zoo Veterinarian Chief Chip Domingo disclosed that Mali died due to "congestive heart failure."
Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuna acknowledged that there were appeals to release Mali in the past.
She, however, said they could not release Mali given that he was in Manila Zoo for a long time.
"Matagal na siya nasa captive stage. Hindi na niya kakayanin kung mailabas pa kasi napunta siya sa atin 11-months-old pa lang and she's already [49], Hindi rin natin alam kung kapag binalik siya, ano ang madatnan niya do'n at kung makaka-adapt pa siya sa new envrionment kasi talagang dito na siya satin lumaki," Lacuna said.
