Farewell, Ma'ali

Photo Courtesy | BBC

Philippines' one and only elephant died this November 28, 2023, at the age of 43 due to congestive heart failure while suffering from cancer.

Mali is a female elephant that was born in Sri Lanka. She was turned over to Manila Zoo in 1981, at the age of 3 as a gift from the Sri Lankan government after they found her orphaned in the wild.

Manila Zoo veterinarian Dr. Heinrich Patrick "Chip" Domingo said they conducted a necropsy on Mali's body to determine what caused her death. Tumors were found around Mali’s organs such as pancreas and kidney. Additionally, the elephant also suffered from pyometra or pus deposits in her uterus.

Mali was reportedly dead at 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday within Manila Zoo. Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna said that they are planning to preserve the remains of Mali through taxidermy.