CAMBODIA: A 36-year-old bull elephant Kaavan has tentatively greeted a fellow inhabitant of the Cambodian sanctuary where he is beginning his new life after being rescued from grim conditions in the Islamabad Zoo.
The elephant — dubbed the “world’s loneliest” — was the sole Asian elephant at his previous dilapidated home. Animal rights groups launched a campaign to save him from the substandard conditions there, boosted by spirited social media support from US actress and musician Cher.
Kaavan the elephant touches trunks with another elephant at a sanctuary in Oddar Meanchey Province, Cambodia. Martin Bauer, a spokesman with the Austria-based group that worked for months to get him ready for the flight said, “The first contact with an elephant in eight years — this is a huge moment for Kaavan.”
“Kaavan will lastly have the chance to live a species-appropriate and peaceful life,” Bauer said, adding that the whole team was very moved to witness the interaction.
An environment ministry official said once Kaavan has adjusted to a controlled setting, he will be freed into the wider sanctuary, where there are three female elephants.
“Transporting an adult elephant by plane is no small task, and has only been undertaken a handful of times,” the official added. Activists have accused the zoo in Islamabad of chaining Kaavan up, and of not properly sheltering him during the searing summers.
Conditions were so bad that in May, the Islamabad High Court ruled that all the zoo’s animals should be relocated. After spending about 35 years in the Capital, Kaavan was shifted to a sanctuary in Cambodia following the orders of the Islamabad High Court.
Kavaan arrived in Pakistan in 1985 as a presidential gift from the Sri Lankan government. In 2002, the animal was put in chains by the zoo administration due to its aggressive behavior. The chains were removed around five years ago following public outcry.
Activists around the world campaigned for Kaavan’s release accusing Islamabad zookeepers of keeping him isolated, chained up, and not providing the large animal with proper shelter and relief during hot summer months.
On November 27, Prime Minister Imran Khan had admired the efforts of famous American singer and celebrity Cher to transfer Kaavan, the country’s only Asian elephant to Cambodia.
The singer, who had for years campaigned for Kaavan the elephant and is helping pay for his move from Pakistan, arrived in Islamabad this week and called on Premier Imran on 27 November.
US celebrity singer @cher called on Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI at Islamabad today.
Appreciating her efforts in retiring #Kaavan to an elephant sanctuary, the Prime Minister thanked Cher for her campaign and role in this regard. pic.twitter.com/eIhmRc4KHW
— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) November 27, 2020
