MANILA, Philippines -- A world-renowned elephant rehabilitator has joined the growing list of concerned individuals urging the transfer of an elderly elephant in the Manila Zoo to a sanctuary in Thailand. Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick, head of The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, said Mali should be allowed to live with other elephants to "heal her lonely soul." In a statement released by the animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), Sheldrick said, "The most important thing in [an elephant's] life [are] friends and family, as it is for us humans." "To separate an elephant from others for life is immeasurably cruel and counter-productive to both the emotional and social well-being of the animal, with possible adverse physical damage as well," she added. "I therefore appeal, on behalf of Elephant Mali, who cannot speak for herself, to afford her access to others, and in so doing heal her lonely soul." Sheldrick has been involved with elephants for the past 58 years. The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, named after her late husband, has rehabilitated more than 150 orphaned elephants. A sanctuary in Thailand has already agreed to accept Mali, who is suffering from foot ailments, loneliness, boredom and isolation in the Manila Zoo, according to PETA. Aside from Sheldrick, some of the individuals and groups who have expressed their support to the call to release Mali include wildlife conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall, Nobel Prize-winning author J.M. Coetzee, veterinarian Dr. Henry Melvyn Richardson, film legend Brigitte Bardot, former First Lady Imelda Marcos, singer-activist Morrissey, some members of Congress, and the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines. Manila Zoo Elephant MALI May 24,2013 Youtube www.youtube.com/watch?v=24TdhHsuPrA

Be the first to comment