Morrissey asks Aquino to free Philippine elephant

We were waiting for Morrissey at Manila Zoo yesterday so we can explain our side. He never came.

I’ve been a zoo volunteer for the last 12 years. Manila Zoo is the only home she’s ever known, and there are people there who love and take care of her. We do provide her enrichment, we do what we can to make sure she’s healthy and she’s happy. It’s not perfect, but at least with the help of some of the world’s experts on animal behavior – we’re trying to do our best.

Morrissey unfortunately knows nothing of her. He’s probably never even seen her, and everything reported her sounds like the press kit they released last year.They just don’t get it. She can’t be moved, she’ll die. Ma’ali hates trucks, and she’ll need to be sedated while she’s in transit. The stress of transportation will kill her – but PETA doesn’t seem to care about this. 

The group has a very strong stance on euthanasia after all. In their US headquarters, they killed 85% of the animals that were brought to their care, saying that they were unadoptable or couldn’t be homed. In contrast, smaller organizations with less money do the best they can to make sure abandoned pets are given a chance to find people who will love them.

They talk about returning her to the wild, but every other elephant facility in Asia is overpopulated with elephants who also need help. Due to human encroachment, there isn’t also a lot of wild areas where they can stay without being in danger.

They’ll tell you they’ll move her to a facility in Tennessee. How far and how long will Maali be in transit? Will she survive the winter (a season she’s never experienced). She’s an Asian Elephant, and growing up here – she’s practically Filipino.

PETA grandstands and picks on Maali. They do that every year around July when they need to fund raise for themselves. They’ve even put an icon on their website for it. We’ve tried to invite them to volunteer with the zoo so that together we can make it a better place for the animals and for the children. They’ve repeatedly turned us down.

Where are they when animals really need help? Last month, a story broke about how 200 pitbulls were rescued from a dog-fighting ring. CARA and PAWS stepped up to the plate and upto now are still caring for the remaining dogs. They desperately need help. PETA is nowhere to be found.

It’s hard to fight a big, advertising savvy organization. Their advertising budget (reportedly about 34.7 million dollars in the US) is bigger than their animal rehabilitation budget. So instead of just making noise, maybe we can all find a way to help Ma’ali and help Manila Zoo.