Cher, the iconic singer and actress, has arrived in Pakistan to mark a significant moment for Kaavan, an elephant long referred to as the “world’s loneliest.”
Due to security concerns, Cher’s itinerary wasn’t disclosed. However, she did meet with Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Imran Khan, on Friday and is expected to visit Kaavan during her stay, according to the prime minister’s office. A video shared by the office showed the two sitting together outdoors at Khan’s residence.
Kaavan, who has lived at the zoo for 35 years—many of them in chains—will be flown to Cambodia on Sunday.
His relocation has been a long time coming, driven by the efforts of animal welfare group Four Paws International. Martin Bauer, a spokesperson for Four Paws, confirmed the planned move.
Kaavan’s story gained international attention after the death of his partner in 2012. She died from a gangrenous infection, and her body remained next to Kaavan for several days before it was removed, leaving him emotionally shattered.
Dr. Amir Khalil, a veterinarian with Four Paws, noted that Kaavan had physically and emotionally suffered during his time at the zoo.
Over the past few months, Dr. Khalil has worked closely with Kaavan, treating various wounds and addressing his poor health.
The elephant was found to be both overweight and malnourished, with behavioral issues stemming from years of isolation.
Cher has been a vocal advocate for Kaavan’s relocation, and her involvement has played a key role in bringing attention to his plight.
Following her meeting with Prime Minister Khan, she tweeted her gratitude, thanking him for helping make the move to Cambodia possible. She also revealed that she is filming a documentary about Kaavan, describing it as “heartwarming.”
Once in Cambodia, Kaavan will require ongoing care, both physical and psychological, according to Bauer.
His years at Islamabad’s Marghazar Zoo left him with cracked and overgrown nails due to improper living conditions, and he developed repetitive behaviors like head-shaking, a sign of deep boredom.
In May, Pakistan’s high court ordered the zoo’s closure, citing the inadequate care provided to its animals.
Since then, Kaavan has been under the care of a team led by Four Paws and the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board, which has been preparing him for the move.
Dr. Khalil first encountered Kaavan in 2016 and returned to the zoo in August 2020, dismayed by the elephant’s deteriorating condition.
Over the past three months, he has worked to help Kaavan lose weight and improve his overall health. Previously, Kaavan consumed 250 kilograms (550 pounds) of sugar cane daily, with little other nutrition.
Since switching to a healthier diet of fruits and vegetables, Kaavan has shed 450 kilograms (around half a ton).
Dr. Khalil shared that this is the first time in his 30-year career he has formed such a strong emotional bond with a rescue animal.
He described how Kaavan now responds to his voice and has become calmer and more relaxed in preparation for his journey.
Kaavan will be welcomed by other elephants at the Cambodian sanctuary, including three female elephants already awaiting his arrival. Dr. Khalil humorously hinted that Kaavan may even find a new companion there.
Bauer emphasized the positive influence that celebrities can have on causes like animal welfare. “When public figures support important issues, it sparks conversation and puts pressure on authorities to take action,” he said.
Read more Elephant News.
Comments
Post a Comment