Kaavan is officially known as the loneliest elephant in the world. He lived for over 30 years in a Pakistan zoo, but now things have changed. The elephant has covered a distance of over 4150 km to Cambodia where he will spend the rest of his days with other elephants for company, as per a TNN report.??
He is an Asian elephant and was in Islamabad Zoo for many decades. Activists had campaigned for his release for a long time and said he was not treated well and was showing mental distress.?
As the pressure grew, a court decreed back in May that Kaavan be set free. The Pakistan government gave permission to Free The Wild, an animal welfare organisation, to relocate Kaavan to a Cambodia sanctuary where he could roam freely and also meet others of his kind.?
Before relocation, the Marghazar Zoo gave Kaavan a farewell party that had treats, balloons, and music.
He landed in Cambodia after a journey of over 4150 km and got a warm welcome from singer Cher. But it was not easy transferring him into a metal crate ahead of the flight. Reports said it required many hours before he agreed to do what they wanted him to do.?
Four Paws International which is an animal charity based in Vienna has lead Kavaan's rescue campaign since 2016.?
Cher has raised awareness about Kaavan for many years and said that her wishes are finally true.?
¡°We have been counting down to this moment and dreaming of it for so long and to finally see Kaavan transported out of the zoo will remain with us forever,¡± she said.?
"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.?
A plane journey from one country to another and Kavaan's fortunes have changed in the blink of an eye. The journey is as important as the destination. Now one hopes he can spend his remaining years, may there be many of them, in peace and surrounded by his own kind.