Imelda Marcos writes to PNoy for elephant Mali's transfer

When Manila Zoo's lone elephant Mali was first brought to the Philippines as a gift from Sri Lanka, then-first lady Imelda Marcos welcomed her to the country. Over 30 years later, Marcos has written a letter to President Aquino expressing her support for Mali to be transferred to an elephant sanctuary in Thailand. In the letter, Marcos thanked Aquino for ordering an evaluation of Mali's condition in May 2012. Marcos explained that she welcomed Mali in 1977 as "a very precious symbol of friendship between the two countries." But Marcos also pointed out that many experts and animal rights advocates recommend the 38-year-old elephant's transfer, saying that the move will allow Mali to socialize with her kind and be in her natural habitat while still having access to expert care. "If this transfer would protect the best interests of Mali, I post no objection on this and I would like to express my full support to this initiative," she wrote. "Though Mali would be greatly missed, I will be happy to see her embark on a journey towards a better life," she added. Marcos is one among the many prominent supporters of Mali's transfer. French actress Brigitte Bardot, Nobel laureate John Maxwell Coetzee, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, and the CBCP have all called for the elephant to be moved to Thailand. According to the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), Mali's current environment denies her stimulation, socialization, and room to explore. "Conditions such as those that Mali has endured in Manila Zoo for 35 years, deprived of contact with that of [her] own kind, are guaranteed to ensure a wretched and unhappy life, and will lead to an early death," former zoo director David Hancocks was quoted as saying in a PETA press release. PETA said that a sanctuary will provide Mali with room to roam around, the company of other elephants, and veterinary care. However, the Manila Zoo firmly opposes Mali's transfer, saying that the stressful move will take its toll on the aged elephant. — Amanda Lago/BM, GMA News