Web Desk
American actress and singer Cher has arrived in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad to send off Kaavan, the world’s loneliest elephant before he is airlifted to a sanctuary in Cambodia on Sunday.
Asian elephant, Kaavan was born in Sri Lanka in 1985, and upon his birth, the Sri Lankan government gifted him to then Pakistan’s military ruler, General Zia-ul-Haq. The elephant was kept at the Islamabad Zoo. An elephant named Saheli was brought from Bangladesh in 1990 and remained as Kaavan’s partner until her death in 2012.
Just Came From Meeting To Thank Prime Minister Imran Kahn For Making It Possible For
Me To Take Kaavan To Cambodia. Kaavan Will Be Able To Leave For Cambodia On The 29. Think Documentary Will Be Heartwarming🙏🏻.— Cher (@cher) November 27, 2020
The US singer Cher who met Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday afternoon, has thanked him “For Making It Possible For Me To Take Kaavan To Cambodia”.
A statement from the prime minister’s office said that Imran Khan had thanked Cher and invited her to participate further in environmental initiatives in Pakistan.
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, Pakistan (@PakPMO) November 27, 2020
Kaavan will be airlifted to the Cambodian province of Siem Reap. He has been training with international specialists from rescue organisation Four Paws, armed with bananas and other treats to get him used to the small enclosure and loud noises of the 10-hour flight.
Cher took up Kaavan’s cause and has been a loud voice advocating for his resettlement. Four Paws, which often carries out animal rescue missions, will accompany Kaavan to the sanctuary.
Even after he’s in Cambodia, Kaavan will require years of physical and even psychological assistance.
Because of the abysmal living conditions blamed on systemic negligence, Islamabad High Court in May this year had ordered the closure of Marghazar Zoo in the capital of Islamabad, where Kaavan has lived for much of his life.
A medical examination in September showed Kaavan’s nails were cracked and overgrown — the result of years of living in an improper enclosure with flooring that damaged his feet.
The elephant has also developed behaviors including shaking his head back and forth for hours, which the medical team of wildlife veterinarians and experts blamed on his utter boredom.
