Kaavan’s story is one that has been followed throughout the year, from his 35 years of captivity at Islamabad’s run-down Marghazar Zoo, to his life of isolation after his partner’s death in 2012. After his story caught the attention of pop icon Cher, Kaavan’s tragic tale started to garner more support for his cause, with people petitioning for him to be moved to a new home.
Pakistani authorities and Four Paws International worked to get Kaavan to a better place, where he would flourish and be lonely no more. Cher, who co-founded ‘Free the Wild’, an animal charity, welcomed the gentle giant with flowers, ready to support him on his journey to the Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary, where he would be welcomed with a fruitcake!
Amir Khalil from Four Paws, who had worked on Kaavan’s rehabilitation in Islamabad disclosed that the elephant enjoyed the 7 hour flight to his new home. Prime Minister Imran Khan commended Cher for her efforts in pursuing this righteous cause, inviting her to participate in Pakistan’s environmental initiatives in the future, and the Believe singer thanked the Premier in return for his cooperation which made it possible to take Kaavan to Cambodia on a flight which left Pakistan on the 29th of November.
People following the story were delighted to see a moment captured of Kaavan’s first interaction with another elephant in 8 years! Lonely no more as of Monday, Kaavan now has a very bright future ahead of him at Kulen Prom Tep Wildlife Sanctuary, where he will live a peaceful life with his own species, and maybe find a new partner as well!