"Mali" majestic Asian elephant. Photo courtesy of Manila Zoo Official

Mali, the solitary elephant in the Philippines, breathed her last at 3:45 pm yesterday November 28,2023 at Manila Zoo. Mayor Honey Lacuna expressed sorrow, highlighting Mali's significant presence in the country since her arrival in 1981 as a gift from the Sri Lankan Government.

Mayor Lacuna shared, "Si 'Mali' po ang nag-iisang elephant dito sa Pilipinas, at siya na po ang pinaka-matagal na nabuhay na elephant dito po sa atin."

Zoo Senior Veterinarian Dr. Heinrich Patrick "Chip" Pena-Domingo explained the events leading to Mali's demise, citing signs of distress observed since Friday. Mali, aged 43, exhibited irritability and a loss of appetite, prompting concern from caretakers.

Despite efforts to administer emergency drugs and fluids, Mali succumbed to congestive heart failure, revealed through necropsy findings indicating pancreatic neoplasia and other affected organs.