“For African elephants, the average lifespan in captivity is around 17 years, while Asian elephants in captivity live for about 19 years“
The Philippines’ lone elephant at the Manila Zoo, Vishmali (Mali for short), passed away last month at the age of 50, ending an era that saw generations of people visit the only elephant many would likely see in their entire lives.
Much has been written about the pros and cons of the circumstances of Mali’s captivity.
Over the years, we’ve even seen foreign individuals and groups put in their two cents’ worth about the matter.
Let me just say, based on personal experience, that some such arguments should be considered carefully, after noticing bullying tactics that I’ve also been subjected to in the past.
In the melee of the debate, the voices of Mali’s carers – vets and caretakers – have been drowned out by strident voices, some of whom see Mali as only another issue to further their agenda.
Before making up your mind on the issue, try to discover both sides.
For Mali to reach an age that is in the higher range for elephants in captivity is proof of the care she received.
According to veterinarian Andrew Rovie M. Buencamino, a former director of the Manila Zoo, Mali’s reaching 50 is an achievement.
He explains: “On average, the lifespan of elephants in captivity is significantly shorter than in the wild. For African elephants, the average lifespan in captivity is around 17 years, while Asian elephants in captivity live for about 19 years.
“In contrast, in their natural habitats, African elephants can live up to 60-70 years, and Asian elephants can live up to 48 years.”
Given this, Mali lived double her expected life expectancy in the zoo setting.
“It’s crucial to acknowledge and commend the dedicated caretakers, veterinarians, and management of the Philippines’ premier zoo,” Buencamino wrote in a Facebook post.
“Mali’s long life, spanning half a century, is a testament to their exceptional care. Contrary to common criticisms about aged animals in zoos, this longevity should be celebrated as a success in zoo animal management.
“Advanced zoological practices, like those employed at Manila Zoo, focus on not just the physical well-being of animals like Mali but also their psychological health.
“Through regular health checks, zoos aim to provide a quality of life that often surpasses what can be expected in the wild, where threats like poaching and habitat loss loom large.
“The debate over whether Mali should have been returned to the wild or moved to a sanctuary overlooks critical aspects of wildlife management. An animal long accustomed to captivity faces significant challenges in the wild.
“Elephants, known for their complex social structures and deep familial bonds, are not solitary creatures. A reintroduced individual like Mali would likely face rejection or aggression from wild herds.
“Additionally, the survival skills necessary for life in the wild, which are instinctively taught from a young age in natural settings, are often underdeveloped in animals raised in captivity.
“While the idea of sanctuaries is appealing, it’s important to recognize that they are not a one-size-fits-all solution.
“Sanctuaries vary greatly in quality and in their ability to meet the specific needs of individual animals. The notion that a sanctuary would inherently provide a better life for Mali is not guaranteed.”
Other carers of Mali through the years, such as the late photographer John Chua and his daughter Kathy Chua-Grimme, have written about their volunteer services to the zoo during less animal-rights enlightened times, and their comments on the sanctuary debate.
Relocating Mali to a sanctuary would not have been the best choice for her.
Why move her to a place where she didn’t know anyone and whose caretakers might not have had the same malasakit for her that her regular carer, Noel Co, showed her over 20 years?
More information will enlighten you about the whole picture, which you can search online.
“Mali’s life in captivity was not without its imperfections,” Buencamino wrote.
But “it’s important to view her story through a lens of nuanced understanding of zoo animal management.
“Mali’s life at the Manila Zoo, under the care of dedicated professionals, was filled with attention, care, and respect.”
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