Mali the Elephant is getting some big time support from (now two!) of my idols. Morrissey has already spoken out in objection to treatment the animal is receiving and now Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) is doing the same.
Mali is currently held in solitary confinement in a Manila Zoo. She is constantly in pain due to foot ailments and since elephants are social animals- the solitary confinement is extreme torture. In pain and alone the public is requesting that she be transferred to an animal sanctuary.
"It was saddening to learn about the poor fate of Mali the Elephant", writes Yusuf in a communique from Dubai. "I hope the Zoo in Manila will do the right thing and let Mali free to enjoy her last years on Earth in the company of other elephants." He adds, "Keeping humans in solitary confinement is a form of torture because we all require contact with our own kind: mankind. This explains why people congregate so easily in communities, cities and towns; social interaction leads to healthy mental and emotional states. The same is obviously true of animals".
In addition, more than a dozen veterinarians and elephant experts including Dr Jane Goodall, Dr Dame Daphne Sheldrick and Dr Henry Richardson, who has more than 40 years of experience working with elephants ' have called for Mali's transfer. Dr Richardson has stated, "To put it simply: Mali may die from the lack of care she is receiving if left at the zoo". Experts point out that transferring elephants is safe and routine.
Can I take a moment to shout out Yusuf for exceeding my expectations yet again? To speak out on behalf of animals is a glorious thing but after being a fan for so long its nearly scream worthy to see he feels the same about ethical treatment of animals.
PETA is currently under fire for their stance on euthanasia and 'no kill' shelters. As 'celebrities' get on board with the organization knowledge is being shared as never before. Fans listen to their idols and with people like Justin Beiber and modern pop punk bands on the PETA bandwagon we have a good chance of getting this whole treating "animals as a commodity" thing under control
A girl can dream right?