If a Baywatch beauty can’t convince President Benigno Aquino III to send Mali, the only elephant in the Philippines, to a sanctuary in Thailand, maybe a Filipino rock icon can.
Ely Buendia, lately of The Oktaves and Pupil, has joined a campaign to urge the government to let Mali retire in peace. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals posted Buendia’s mug shot on its Free Mali Facebook page and asked netizens to sign an online petition to have Mali brought to Thailand.
“For her physical well-being, Mali needs grass to cushion her aching joints and room to move, not a cramped cage. For her emotional health, Mali needs the company of other elephants. She hasn’t seen another elephant in more than 30 years,” PETA said in its petition.
Citing an assessment by elephant expert Dr. Henry Richardson, PETA said Mali has “potentially fatal cracked nails and foot pads, which are open to infection, and overgrown cuticles.” The Manila Zoo has not brought in an elephant expert to check on Mali since then, the group said.
Last week, actress and former Playboy model Pamela Anderson offered to have dinner with the President to discuss Mali’s future. The Palace has said, though, that Anderson is in Los Angeles so the date won’t be happening.
Besides, presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said, the issue of whether to send Mali to Thailand or not has been referred to Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala.
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Photo: PETA
