Jacqueline Fernandez calls for Mali's transfer to sanctuary

On behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia, screen star Jacqueline Fernandez has sent a letter to Philippine's Consul General to Sri Lanka William John T. Perera urging him to do everything possible to expedite the transfer of an ailing and lonely elephant named Mali from the inadequate Manila Zoo to a lush sanctuary.

Mali has been confined to a small enclosure at the zoo since she was transferred to Manila from Sri Lanka 36 years ago and has spent most of that time in solitary confinement, which to highly social elephants amounts to extreme cruelty.

She is also suffering from a potentially fatal foot condition that constantly causes her pain.

In the letter, Fernandez makes a plea for Mali's freedom, both as a concerned person and fellow native of Sri Lanka.

"I feel a genuine kinship with Mali since we were both born in Sri Lanka. This proud native daughter has come to symbolise oppression and cruelty, things that compassionate Sri Lankans and Filipinos condemn", writes Fernandez, who, in addition to being an award-winning actor is also a former model and beauty queen who was crowned Miss Universe Sri Lanka in 2006. "I hope you agree that Mali should not have to suffer any longer. Let's give our girl a second chance at life."

In a sanctuary, she would have hectares of land in which to roam, rivers and ponds to bathe in and the crucial company of other elephants.