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Mali’s Taxidermy Unveiling at National Museum Sparks Outcry – When In Manila
Sep
Mali, once the Philippines’ only elephant, has found her final resting place at the National Museum of Natural History. The museum formally unveiled her taxidermied remains on August 27, 2026, introducing her as the newest addition to its collection of preserved animal specimens—joining the ranks of Lolong, the famed giant saltwater crocodile.
Photo: Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Manila/Facebook
Gifted by Sri Lanka to former First Lady Imelda Marcos in 1981, the female Asian elephant—originally named Vishwa Ma’ali—spent nearly five decades residing at the Manila Zoo. Over time, her solitary confinement sparked widespread public concern, eventually turning her into an international symbol for animal welfare advocacy, often dubbed the “World’s Saddest Elephant.”
Mali passed away on November 28, 2023, from congestive heart failure and pancreatic cancer, having spent almost her entire life without the company of her own kind.
However, despite being the lone elephant in the zoo, Mali was never truly alone. Her longtime handler, Noel Co, ensured that the gentle giant was well taken care of.
Photo: Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Manila/Facebook
During discussions regarding Mali’s potential transfer to Thailand in 2013, Co expressed that shipping the elephant might no longer be suitable given her age. The caretaker also raised concerns about the life that awaited Mali in a sanctuary.
”Baka saktan din lang siya dun,” he said in an interview with GMA News.
According to Co, it took him anywhere from seven to 10 years of consistent daily interaction just to earn Mali’s trust and get her to fully drop her guard.
Mali’s taxidermy exhibit, intended by officials as a memorial to her iconic status in Philippine pop culture, has reignited intense debate. Animal rights organizations and local citizens alike have voiced profound sorrow over the display.
Photo: Department of Photo: Tourism, Culture and Arts of Manila/Facebook
Following the opening, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia president Jason Baker issued a statement condemning her lifelong captivity.
“There are many things to celebrate about Manila, but Mali’s confinement and death are not among them… Now, her preserved body at the National Museum will serve as a stark reminder that no elephant should be forced to suffer as she did. Confining animals to tiny, barren enclosures should be relegated to the history books,” Baker said.
PETA noted that for years, advocates pleaded for her transfer to a sanctuary where she could receive proper care for chronic foot issues and live alongside other elephants, but government officials repeatedly blocked these efforts.
Photo: Wilfredo Garrido/Facebook
The exhibit has also drawn mixed reactions from the public. On social media, many Filipinos expressed heartbreak over seeing her preserved body rather than an artistic tribute.
“Maaaring isa ito sa pagpapasalamat at pagkilala sa kanya. Pero kayang-kaya naman gawan ito ng replica. Ang sakit naman nito sa puso,” a Facebook user said, commenting on the post of the Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Manila.
“Hindi po ba pwedeng replica na lang tapos may nakalaan na isang room para sa kanya may mga nakalagay na videos, photos about Ma’Li?” another user added.
While her life was defined by the walls of an urban enclosure, Mali’s presence at the National Museum now stands as a somber monument, reminding visitors of the complex ethical realities of animal captivity and welfare.
ALSO READ: 10 Museums in Metro Manila That You Must Visit
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