Main image via Good News Network + Facebook
The loneliest elephant in the world has been rescued!
After living in a run-down zoo for 35 years, Kaavan has finally been transferred to sanctuary in Cambodia!
Image via Good News Network
36-year-old Kaavan the elephant first arrived in Pakistan in 1985 as a gift from Sri Lanka and was kept in captivity at the Marghazar Zoo in Islamabad.
In 2012, Kaavan’s partner Saheli, passed away from a leg infection which left the elephant heartbroken as images of him standing over the body of his partner shocked the world. He was then dubbed the “World’s Loneliest Elephant”.
Further investigation found that Kaavan was forced to perform for visitors and was held in chains for years in an insufficient enclosure in the poorly managed zoo.
Initial medical examination showed that the elephant’s nails were overgrown and cracked due to improper care and the inadequate enclosure with poor flooring had damaged its feet.
Because of his loneliness, Kaavan had also developed a stereotypical behaviour – shaking his head back and forth for hours.
Image via Tyla
After years of captivity, Kaavan has finally been rescued and has arrived in a sanctuary in Cambodia, with a little help from iconic singer, Cher.
Since 2016, Cher has been part of a massive social media campaign to help relocate the world’s loneliest elephant.
On Monday, Free the Wild - a charity co-founded by the singer, shared that Kaavan was being loaded onto a plane to begin his journey to Cambodia.
Earlier in the year, Islamabad’s High Court officially closed the zoo over its poor conditions and gave Four Paws - an animal welfare organisation; the permission to remove and relocate Kaavan.
Image via Facebook
In preparation for the flight, specialists from Four Paws trained the elephant to be prepared for the small enclosure and loud Moses he would experience on the flight, by using bananas and other treats.
Kaavan will no longer be lonely as his new home is also home to three other elephants.
According to Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary’s Facebook, the elephant will now live in a huge jungle enclosure where most of his food will be provided naturally. Kaavan will also get fruit treats to “satisfy his sweet tooth”.
During the seven-hour flight, Kaavan reportedly ate 200kg of snacks and even took a nap!
"He behaves like a frequent flier. The flight was uneventful, which is all you can ask for when you transfer an elephant," said Amir Khalil, a veterinarian from Four Paws who accompanied Kaavan on the flight.
Kaavan was even welcomed with a very special cake made by the sanctuary!
We’re incredibly happy that Kaavan has finally been rescued and has a new home where he won’t be lonely again! We hope he’s happy in his new home!
Share this heartwarming tale with your friends and loved ones!
Info via CNN + VOA