What's happened
Mali, a beloved elephant at Manila Zoo, has died after spending over four decades alone in a dilapidated pen.
Why it matters
The death of Mali, who lived alone in a zoo for decades, has sparked global campaigns and concern over the treatment of animals in captivity.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that Mali's death marks the end of global campaigns to relocate her over concerns about her lonely life and treatment by Manila Zoo authorities. The NY Post highlights the distress Mali showed before her death and the efforts of activists, including Dr. Jane Goodall and Paul McCartney, to transfer her to an elephant sanctuary. Business Insider UK mentions the criticism of Mali's treatment, the call for her release by Sir Paul McCartney and other celebrities, and the zoo authorities' argument that Mali was best suited to captivity.
How we got here
Mali lived alone in Manila Zoo for most of her life, prompting concerns about her solitary existence and lack of proper medical care.
More on these topics
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Sir James Paul McCartney CH MBE is an English singer, songwriter, musician, composer, and record and film producer who gained worldwide fame as co-lead vocalist and bassist for the Beatles.
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Mali, officially the Republic of Mali, is a landlocked country in West Africa. Mali is the eighth-largest country in Africa, with an area of just over 1,240,000 square kilometres.
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The Manila Zoo, formally known as the Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden, is a 5.5-hectare zoo located in Malate, Manila, Philippines that opened on July 25, 1959.