The local government of Manila received criticism and disapproval from netizens and some celebrities as well, after it announced its plan to get a new elephant from Sri Lanka. This comes after the lone elephant at the Manila Zoo took its last breath.
The elephant which was named, Vishwa Ma'ali's or also known as Mali, died last November 28, 2023. Manila Zoo's chief veterinarian Heinrich Patrick Peña-Domingo says its death may have been caused by "congestive heart failure."
In a press briefing on November 29, 2023, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna stated that the Sri Lankan government has committed to giving a new elephant, during its visit prior to Mali's death. Mayor Honey declared that they would send a letter to Sri Lanka, informing Mali's death and requesting for what seemed to be a "replacement."
Her proclamation was heavily criticized by some celebrities. Award-winning actor John Arcilla expressed his disapproval of Manila's plan through a lengthy comment in a news publication's post.
"Bakit kailangan ng elepanteng naka-kulong sa Maynila? Bakit kailangan may naka-presong endangered animal sa isang syudad? Kailangan nila ng sanctuary, hindi kulungan. That is equivalent to Animal Cruelty," he wrote.
John strongly denounced Manila's plan and even described it as "absurd and backward." "We don’t want to teach people specially the kids to have fun watching a sad, lonely Animal. It is absurd and backward," he said.
The actor later posed a solution for those who would want to appreciate animals more, aside from imprisoning animals in a zoo. "If people want to enjoy looking at the animals, people should visit the sanctuaries and rehabs or the wilds, and spend for it. That is more appropiate. Otherwise we have to leave them alone. Sana pag isipang mabuti, or Filipino and Asian Communities of animal lovers can pass a petition," John suggested.
Bela Padilla and Agot Isidro seem to echo John's sentiments. In a tweet, Bela said, "In a totally different note, HOW DO WE STOP WHOEVER IS IN CHARGE FROM GETTING AN ELEPHANT FROM SRI LANKA." Wherein Agot responded with, "Agree!"
Mali was believed to have lived for 40 years. In 1977, the Sri Lankan government gave it as a gift to then-First Lady Imelda Marcos.
