PETA to give ‘Free Mali’ cards to Aquino

MANILA, Philippines - An international animal rights group said yesterday they would send President Aquino cards containing drawings and handwritten appeals to transfer the elephant Mali from Manila Zoo to a sanctuary in Thailand.

In a statement, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) said that the appeals were from students of various schools in Metro Manila who have joined the group’s campaign to free Mali.

“There’s one thing that children, politicians, celebrities, animal welfare groups, and elephant experts have all agreed on: Mali needs – and deserves – to be transferred to a proper sanctuary,” said PETA Asia campaigns manager Rochelle Regodon.

Aquino earlier issued a directive to consider Mali’s relocation, and PETA hopes he “will take immediate action to ensure that Mali is freed from the isolation and neglect that she has endured for 36 years,” Regodon added.

If Mali will be transferred to the sanctuary in Thailand, the elephant will have hectares of land to roam, rivers and ponds to bath in, live with other elephants, and have veterinary care.

“For long years, Mali made us happy, so please let’s make Mali happy too,” one card reads.

Among the famous individuals and organizations that have joined PETA’s campaign to free Mali are world-renowned veterinarian Henry Richardson, wildlife conservationist Jane Goodall, more than 50 international animal protection groups, and 20 local non-government organizations.