[6] Mali's condition was a subject of concern by various animal welfare groups and was commonly called the world's 'saddest' elephant.

Nikorn Thongtip of Kasetsart University remarked that Mali was "healthy in every system" although she exhibited "a little bit of obesity".

[6] In 2018, results of blood tests conducted on Mali, suggested the elephant was healthy, although the animal was still remarked to be overweight and was on a diet plan.

She died of congestive heart failure and had other health issues: nodules around her liver, a slightly inflamed kidney, a neoplastic pancreas, and a clogged aorta.

Initially, there was consideration of requesting a replacement elephant from the Sri Lankan government, but this was later abandoned when a letter was sent to inform them of Mali's passing.

[12][13] Mali's remains were eventually preserved through an 11-month taxidermy by PetEterniTy in Angat, Bulacan,[14] and were returned to the Manila Zoo on December 16, 2024, for display.