Manila Zoo’s famous elephant Vishwa Ma'ali, popularly known as Mali, died on Tuesday, Nov. 28, the Manila Zoological and Botanical Parks confirmed.
Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan said the elephant died at 3:45 p.m. inside the zoo.
She immediately went to the zoo when she learned that Mali had passed away.
The mayor also said that the city veterinarians are currently conducting a necropsy to determine the cause of the elephant's death.
The elephant's abode inside the zoo was covered by a blue curtain to mourn its death.
The city government said that Mali was the only remaining elephant living in the country. It was given to the care of the City of Manila in May 1981.
The city government will hold a press conference at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 29 to disclose details on Mali's death.