Hollywood film and television star Pamela Anderson asked President Benigno Aquino III on a date to discuss the immediate transfer of Manila Zoo’s elephant Mali.
Anderson, a supporter of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) sent a letter to President Aquino asking him to expedite the transfer of the 39-year old ailing elephant to a reputable sanctuary.
In her letter, Anderson wrote, “Thank you for taking a strong, serious stance on her behalf by issuing a directive to consider moving her to a sanctuary. In a world filled with political self-interest, your character and integrity are inspiring. Gandhi once famously said, ‘The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.’ I know that the Philippines is a great nation. Should you find yourself in Los Angeles, I’d love to take you to dinner and talk more about how we can help Mali.”
Mali has been confined at the Manila Zoo in a small enclosure for 39 years, and do not get a proper veterinary care which left the elephant a painful and potentially fatal foot problems, according to PETA.
PETA recommended that Mali should be transferred to an elephant sanctuary in Thailand, where it can be given proper care and it can be in the company of other elephants.
Elephants need 20 hours every day moving and socializing with other of their kind, and they can live up to 70 years when in a proper environment.
Malacanang said that the Department of Agriculture will be the one to determine the appropriate location for Mali.
Meanwhile, Anderson is not the first celebrity to appeal to Aquino about Mali’s condition and transfer. Other famous names are British rock icon Morissey, French film legend Brigitte Bardot, wildlife conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall, British folk singer Cat Stevens, and Nobel Prize-winning author J.M. Coetzee.
