Expert: Manila Zoo's elephant Mali may die from foot ailment

(Updated 5:50 p.m.) Mali, a 38-year-old solitary female elephant at the Manila Zoo, may die due to "lack of care" amid worsening foot ailment, an animal rights group said Thursday. On a blog post, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) quoted world-renown elephant expert Dr. Henry Richardson as saying "Mali may die from the lack of care she is receiving if left at the [Manila] Zoo.” Richardson said Mali has foot ailments, the leading cause of death of elephants in captivity, and that her condition at the Manila Zoo is worsening. Richardson visited Mali at the zoo last May and noted that the elephant was suffering from a foot condition that could potentially be fatal if not addressed. PETA claimed Richardson has been reviewing videos of Mali at the zoo taken in recent weeks and noticed that she is now overweight compared to his last visit. “Her obesity is compounding the severity of the arthritis and foot disease that she appears to be suffering from,” he said. According to Richardson, elephants generally carry the majority of their weight on their front legs and pointed out that Mali had tendencies to shift her weight from one leg to the other while standing. “I am absolutely certain Mali has pain in her front limbs and feet,” he added. Also, he said that when elephants start leaning against walls it's only a matter of time before they are unable to get back up. “I fear this is the fate for Mali if she is not moved to [a] sanctuary soon." Richardson, who has more than 40 years experience treating elephants, was hired by PETA to check on Mali's condition. Mali's transfer PETA has been calling for the transfer of Mali to an elephant sanctuary in Thailand where she is supposed to be treated. Meanwhile, more and more people and organizations are joining the call to transfer Mali to the elephant sanctuary in Thailand, which has already agreed to accept her. One of the most recent personality who joined the cause was Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago who filed a resolution to study the transfer of Mali to the sanctuary according to an earlier report. She also filed a bill amending the Animal Welfare Act, which states that it is unlawful for any person to neglect to offer adequate care to any animal to address the plight of animals, especially those in captivity. Other notable persons and groups include: American film legend Brigitte Bardot, British musician Morrissey, and Dr. Jane Goodall, one of the world's leading experts in elephant care. Three conditions In an interview with GMA News Online, Manila Zoo's zoological division veterinarian Donald Manalastas on Thursday said he received the letter from Richardson but didn't reply because he said there was no need for it. According to Manalastas, the Manila Zoo was against the transfer because of three reasons: First, Mali was too old for the transfer, and that a captive Asian elephant only lasts up to 42 years. Mali may not survive the "stress" during the transfer. “The transfer will be too stressful for Mali,” he said adding, “Bakit magte-take tayo ng risk?” Second, Mali has never been injected with sedatives, antibiotics and anesthetics that are required when transferring an elephant overseas. Also, he said the elephant might not be able to take the drugs since she is not used to them. Third, Mali grew up in the Philippines. She was brought into the country when she was three years old. “Hindi sure na makaka-assimilate si Mali with the herd [upon transfer]. And if she likes the herd... what if the herd doesn't like her?” he said. Manalatas also denied claims Mali had arthritis... based on Richardson's observation of Mali's recent videos at the zoo. “Wala naman po [siyang arthritis]. How can you assess [her condition] through video?” Manalastas said. “These are just observations. You do lab tests for proper diagnosis,” he added. Also, Manalastas denied PETA's claim Mali was lonely. “There is a difference in being alone and being lonely,” he said. “Mali has survived 38 years at the Manila Zoo. We must be doing something right,” he added.  — with a report from Mandy Fernandez /LBG, GMA News