MANILA – Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso has ordered the transfer of Mali, the country’s most famous elephant, to the National Museum to preserve her legacy and ensure proper care under experts.

Mali, who lived at the Manila Zoo for nearly five decades, will join the museum’s growing collection of iconic animals, including Lolong, the Guinness World Records’ largest saltwater crocodile, preserved there since 2013.

“We have a very good museum, bigay ko na sa’yo si Mali. Tutal andun si Lolong, then you have Mali. Then we can immortalize the memories of the oldies today who had very good experiences with Mali in their younger years,” Mayor Isko told National Museum Director General Jeremy Barns during his visit.

The mayor explained that the city government lacks the technology and expertise to preserve Mali’s remains and expressed confidence in the museum’s capacity to protect her memory.

Barns welcomed the decision, assuring the public that Mali’s preservation will be carried out with the highest standards of scientific care.

With Mali joining Lolong, the National Museum said it expects to further strengthen its collection of nationally significant animal specimens that have long captured the hearts of Filipinos.