Palace: Wait for DA recommendation on transfer of Mali the elephant

Malacañang on Sunday said it is waiting for the Department of Agriculture's recommendation on whether Mali, a 38-year-old elephant, should be transferred from the Manila Zoo.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. already instructed the DA to study Mali's situation and come up with its recommendations.

 

"Hintayin natin ang magiging recommendation ng DA. Depende sa kanilang pag-aaral," she said on government-run dzRB radio.

 

She made the statement in response to the call of Yusuf Islam, a British-born musician formerly known as Cat Stevens, pushing for the transfer of Mali to a sanctuary in Thailand. 

Many popular personalities had called for Mali's transfer form the Manila Zoo, but the zoo maintained it will not release Mali.

 

Mali is one of the main attractions of the zoo. 

 

The zoo management said Mali may not be able to withstand the rigors of travel.

 

Valte said some groups had called for Mali's transfer to a wildlife sanctuary in Thailand or Palawan, while others said her age may not allow it.

 

"Bahala ang DA kung ano ang kanilang magiging pag-analisa sa proposal na ito at maging final recommendation kung saan ilipat," she said. —KG, GMA News