Singer Cat Stevens joins calls to relocate Mali to Thai sanctuary

Yusuf Islam, a British-born musician formerly known as international rocker Cat Stevens, has joined the multitude of appealers to have Mali the elephant transferred to a sanctuary in Thailand.

 

Islam was saddened by Mali's condition which led to his issuing of a statement according to a news release from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia.

 

“It was saddening to learn about the poor fate of Mali the Elephant,” Islam said, adding “I hope the Zoo in Manila will do the right thing and let Mali free to enjoy her last years on Earth in the company of other elephants.”

 

Amid numerous protests from local and international celebrities, politicians and animal rights groups, the Manila Zoo has maintained a firm stand that they will not release Mali.

 

The zoo management said in an earlier report that the trip to Thailand will put heavy stress on Mali which is already old at 38 years of age and this action may result in her death.

 

However, with increasing pressure, the Gabriela Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan has filed House Resolution 2937, which seeks to transfer Mali to Thailand.

 

But the local government of Manila said they will not allow the transfer in another report.  

Luis del Mundo from the Manila mayor's office said that while they respect the House resolution, the law states that the local government has full jurisdiction over animals in their city.

 

On Friday, PETA senior campaign manager Ashley Fruno told GMA News Online that both the zoo and the local government still maintain their stand on Mali's release.

 

Mali is currently in isolation at the Manila Zoo and has been there for most of her life. She stands in a limp form inside a solitary cage as one of the main attractions of the zoo. — RSJ, GMA News