Pakistan’s last Asian elephant, Kaavan, who has also come to be known as the world’s loneliest elephant, is all set to start a new life in Cambodia as officials prepare for his departure next month. Kaavan, who has been kept captive since birth, will now be heading to the Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary at the end of November. The transfer is a “happy moment” for the animal kingdom and animal-lovers as it would result in closure of the infamous Islamabad zoo.
It was back in early September that Austria-based animal welfare organization Four Paws International declared Kaavan fit to travel after a full medical examination. Four Paws International and animal welfare charity Free The Wild (FTW) which has been fighting for the elephant’s rights since 2016, will be covering the cost of the transportation. FTW is also raising $50,000 funds to build Kaavan’s enclosure in Cambodia.
“It fills me with incredible joy to see that Kaavan’s suffering is finally coming to an end. I cannot wait to bring him to Cambodia” said American superstar and co-founder of Free The Wild, Cher. “Free Kaavan will soon no longer be just a hashtag, but reality,” she said with joy.
As the countdown for Kaavan’s departure is underway, the Four Paws team is currently busy preparing for the elephant’s safe departure. It will essentially require arranging a suitable aircraft and building a transport crate for Kaavan, who weighs over five tonnes and is more than three metres high. An elephant expert has also been put in place to train Kaavan for a few weeks to securely enter the crate on his own. The rescue team has decided against the sedation of the elephant during travel due to safety reasons but “a team of wildlife veterinarians will accompany Kaavan” to Cambodia.
Further, “for at least 4-5 weeks, Kaavan would be trained to move into the crate, relax, drink and eat inside to feel as comfortable as possible,” Dr Amir Khalil, Four Paws veterinarian and team leader was quoted as saying to Gulf News. Once the animal gets familiar with it, the crate is closed, secured and transferred.
Kaavan has been kept in Islamabad Zoo for 35 years in poor conditions, chained for most of the day and neglected by zookeepers. With time, he is learning to trust humans again. “In the past weeks I have spent almost every day with Kaavan, talking and singing Frank Sinatra songs to him. This may seem absurd to outsiders, but it allowed me to build a close relationship with the elephant” shared Dr Amir Khalil. “As his personal physician, I will not leave Kaavan’s side during his entire journey,” said the doctor who has been appointed amicus curiae (friend of the court) by the Islamabad High Court and is looking after the logistical organization and execution of relocation.
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All the best to Kaavan for his safe transportation to Cambodia!
Pakistan’s last Asian elephant, Kaavan, who has also come to be known as the world’s loneliest elephant, is all set to start a new life in Cambodia as officials prepare for his departure next month. Kaavan, who has been kept captive since birth, will now be heading to the Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary at the end of November. The transfer is a “happy moment” for the animal kingdom and animal-lovers as it would result in closure of the infamous Islamabad zoo.
Pakistan’s last Asian elephant, Kaavan, who has also come to be known as the world’s loneliest elephant, is all set to start a new life in Cambodia as officials prepare for his departure next month. Kaavan, who has been kept captive since birth, will now be heading to the Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary at the end of November. The transfer is a “happy moment” for the animal kingdom and animal-lovers as it would result in closure of the infamous Islamabad zoo.