I was once a part of a campaign with the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in 2013. Our mission was to free Mali, an elephant who lived in deplorable conditions at the Manila Zoo. Despite our efforts, no action was taken to move her to a sanctuary - or at least to a better facility. Mali passed away two days ago after spending about 45 years in the facility.

Growing up in Metro Manila, I remember school field trips to Manila Zoo. There was a lion with patchy fur and protruding hip bones pacing back and forth out of sheer boredom and distress. I remember my eyes welling up as I watched a noble lion, my favorite animal, suffer. This image will never leave me.

These incidents are indicative of the overall treatment of animals at the Manila Zoo. It has been dubbed "The World's Saddest Zoo" and criticized by various animal rights organizations for its inadequate facilities and poor animal care practices. Although it has undergone major renovations due to rising complaints, a truly noteworthy effort, there seems to be a pattern of renovating and getting new attention, and then slowly deteriorating again. One must ask, "Is a bustling city really the right place for these animals?"

It might be too idealistic of me to think that zoos have no place in modern society (even if they actually don't, granted we can learn about animals through television and the internet). It might be too much to ask not support any zoos at all. However, there are zoos in the Philippines that put more effort in sizeable enclosures mimmicking species-appropriate habitats, and enrichment activities for the animals.

Let's do better, people. I may be an individual, with a singular voice never loud enough, but I am asking you to use yours. Let us demand that the authorities shut down Manila Zoo permanently and the animals be transferred to facilites with better living conditions, or sanctuaries.

Please sign this petition today! Let's make sure no other animal suffers like Mali did.