SOLITUDE

“…Mali is unimaginably lonely. In the wild, female elephants stay in close-knit, extended groups for their entire lives. These complex social animals need other elephants in order to lead fulfilled, happy lives.”

Ashley continues, “Not a single zoological or elephant association allows for female elephants to be housed alone.”

Yet, Mali is housed alone. Ironically, the elephant who was presented as a gift as a symbol of friendship has never formed any bond or friendship with a fellow elephant. Mali had two companion elephants but they died shortly after her arrival. Mali has been alone in her cement enclosure since then -- in solitude for 42 years.