British-born musician and humanitarian Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, has issued a statement to PETA Asia to voice his support of the transfer of Mali the elephant from Manila Zoo to a sanctuary.

Islam joins Brigitte Bardot, Morrissey and JM Coetzee who've also spoke out about the elephant's suffering, after the zoo delayed her transfer, despite a congressional resolution to support it. He commented 'I hope the zoo in Manila will do the right thing and let Mali free to enjoy her last years on Earth in the company of other elephants'.