Manila Zoo Mourns the Loss of the World’s Saddest Elephant

Mali, described as the saddest elephant by animal activists, passed away on Tuesday due to health complications after spending decades living in a pen largely alone.

The diagnosis came after Mali exhibited signs of distress on Friday, when zookeepers observed her repeatedly rubbing her trunk against a wall, which typically indicates an elephant is in pain.

On Tuesday, she laid down on her side and never got back up, with an autopsy revealing she had cancer in several organs and a blockage in her aorta, according to the BBC.

Mali, also known as Vishwamali, was just 11 months old when she was gifted to former Philippines First Lady Imelda Marcos in 1981. She was originally living with another elephant, Shiva, until the latter’s death in 1990. Mali has been alone in her enclosure ever since.

The situation drew criticism from animal rights activists who condemned the zoo’s conditions and the inadequate care provided by its keepers.

Animal welfare group PETA highlighted Mali’s plight, emphasizing the intense confinement, loneliness, boredom and isolation she endured at the zoo.

Celebrity advocates including Sir Paul McCartney, Pamela Anderson, and Dr. Jane Goodall supported the “Free Mali” movement. McCartney even wrote to Philippine President Benigno Aquino III in 2013, requesting for Mali’s transfer to an animal sanctuary to “bring an end to her suffering.”

On Tuesday, after hearing of Mali’s death, PETA took to social media, writing, “Mali died the same way she had lived for nearly 50 years — alone in a barren concrete pen.”

“We’re so sorry, Mali. You deserved better,” the organization said.