Kaavan the elephant had become the talk of the town, not just in Pakistan but worldwide. Even renowned celebrities, like Cher, highlighted the plight of this mammal. And through the efforts of Four Paws, Free the Wild, and Eric Margolis, he has been safely handed over to a sanctuary in Cambodia.
Kaavan was gifted to Pakistan as a symbol of friendship by the Sri Lankan government. He was only 1-year-old at the time. And soon after he was accompanied by Saheli, his partner in crime. But she passed away and left the 36-year-old’s side back in 2012.
Since his partner’s passing, the poor animal was left alone and neglected. His needs were not taken care of, and he was in dire need to be rescued. Luckily for him, the media brought attention to this depressed elephant.
Of course, Cher (being Cher) made this news viral and got the help of other animal welfare organizations- besides her own named Free The Wild. The American singer herself ensured a safe travel experience for Kaavan.
Kaavan was prepared to stay in the crate that contained over 200 kgs of food to keep him occupied. He was also accompanied by trained animal welfare professionals and vets. On the other side, Cher and the team were patiently waiting for his arrival.
Videos are now going viral of Kaavan getting familiar with the sanctuary in Cambodia. He is amongst a herd of elephants- in an open space- where he will most likely spend the rest of his life.
Let’s take a look at these videos and pictures:
#Kaavan is already socializing with neighbors: beautiful female elephants #Cambodia pic.twitter.com/5j8iyX7itv
— Neth Pheaktra (@pheaktraneth) December 1, 2020
It's really happening! #KaavansJourney to a sanctuary begins this weekend, with extra help from the one & only @Cher
Here's the latest on his big move: pic.twitter.com/ZblSuMHe7O— Smithsonian Channel (@SmithsonianChan) November 27, 2020
Kaavan touched down and took his first steps on Cambodian soil after a 23-hour journey from Islamabad, at 23:45pm on Monday 30 November 2020. Remember this day, for you helped us make it! Bless you all ❤️🐘
FTW#ftw #freethewild #freekaavan #cambodia #happiness #freedom pic.twitter.com/kxzB8svecL— Free The Wild (@ftwglobal) November 30, 2020
At the Sanctuary Quarantine area for Kaavan looks perfect @ftwglobal @GinaKrugco @sagancowne @cowne_mark @cher pic.twitter.com/SAHTX1bgOB
— Anika 🐘🦍🦧🦒🐋🐬 (@anikasleem) November 30, 2020
#FreeKaavan 🐘: Kaavan arrived! ✈️
Last night the loneliest elephant in the world was loaded on an airplane in Islamabad. Together with the team on-site, Dr Frank Goeritz and Dr Amir Khalil were right by his side throughout the whole trip. pic.twitter.com/b1745OQFsi— FOUR PAWS (@fourpawsint) November 30, 2020
What do you think of Kaavan the elephant’s journey? Let us know in the comments section.
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