An ethical dilemma

Mali, the late lone Asian elephant of the Manila Zoo, was a poignant figure in Philippine wildlife conservation. Her death last year marked the end of a life spent largely in solitude, stirring public debates on animal welfare.

Now, the controversy shifts to her posthumous fate: being taxidermied and displayed at the zoo. Critics argue this trivializes her suffering and questions its appropriateness in light of her tragic life story.

For over four decades, Mali lived alone in a small, barren enclosure — a stark contrast to the expansive forests her species is meant to roam.

Wildlife advocates had long campaigned for her transfer to a sanctuary where she could live out her remaining years in peace, but bureaucratic inertia and public indifference thwarted these efforts. In the end, Mali’s life became a symbol of human neglect and the complexities of urban zoos in developing nations.

The decision to have Mali taxidermied and put her on display raises ethical concerns. Proponents claim it honors her legacy and educates visitors about conservation. But does it truly celebrate Mali’s life, or does it perpetuate her objectification?

After all, Mali was not just a zoo attraction; she was a sentient being who endured decades of isolation. To present her as an exhibit would be seen as the final indignity in a lifetime of suffering.

Critics contend this move would reduce Mali to a mere artifact, stripping her of the individuality that made her a symbol of both resilience and tragedy. For years, her story was a rallying cry for improved animal welfare in the Philippines. By displaying her taxidermied remains, the zoo risks diluting that narrative, replacing it with a sanitized version that conveniently overlooks the moral failures of her captivity.

Moreover, the ethics of taxidermy itself in modern contexts is worth questioning. While historically used for education and scientific purposes, taxidermy in a zoo setting often feels archaic, particularly for animals whose lives were marred by mistreatment.

For Mali, whose existence was characterized by the very practices critics of zoos decry, this display could serve as a stark reminder of what not to do — though it is doubtful that this is the zoo’s intention.

A more fitting tribute might have been to let her memory catalyze meaningful reforms. Her death could have sparked renewed commitments to improving zoo conditions, transferring solitary animals to sanctuaries, or even rethinking the very concept of zoos. Instead, taxidermying Mali seems to reframe her as an object of nostalgia rather than a lesson learned.

Educational value, often cited as justification for such displays, also merits scrutiny. While it’s true that seeing an elephant up close can inspire awe, does it justify the method?

Mali’s story, including her taxidermy, could be presented through multimedia exhibits or documentaries that delve into her life and the broader challenges of wildlife conservation. These methods respect her legacy without reducing her to a lifeless artifact.

Ultimately, the controversy surrounding Mali’s display is emblematic of larger issues in animal welfare and conservation ethics. It challenges us to reflect on how we treat the creatures in our care — not only in life but in death.

If the aim is to honor Mali, let her story inspire systemic change rather than serve as a mere spectacle. That would be the tribute she truly deserves.