Kaavan is a 35-year-old male elephant. For 30 years he has lived in chains in a Pakistani zoo. Now he is all set to get his freedom. According to a News18 report, a historic court order on May 22 by the Islamabad High Court stated that he be freed from a zoo which is not properly maintained.?
The elephant has spent all this time in the Zoo of Islamabad. Activists have argued for his release for years and also said he has been mistreated there.?
What made matters worse was that he was completely alone as his only companion died a few years ago.?
He is now being relocated to a sanctuary where he can roam free like the wild animal that he is.?
"Neither is there adequate facilities nor resources to provide living conditions that would meet the behavioral, social and physiological needs of the animals," said Chief Justice Athar Minallah.?
Authorities have picked a Cambodian sanctuary which will be Kavaan's new home.?
"We are delighted by the news from Pakistan regarding the relocation and retirement of Kaavan, Pakistan's last remaining Asian elephant... after 5 years of relentless effort by Free the Wild and Team Kaavan," said Gina Nelthorpe-Cowne, co-founder of Free the Wild, according to Times Now.?
After so many years in captivity, Kaavan can finally be free. It was long overdue and it is time that this elephant had something good happen in its life.
One hopes the remainder of Kaavan's life is spent in peace and no human interference.