Lone elephant of Pakistan: Kaavan to finally enjoy freedom in Cambodia

The federal government has finally issued a permit to transfer Pakistan’s only Asian elephant, Kaavan, to Cambodia. Kaavan, the 35-year-old bull elephant was brought in Pakistan back in 1985 as a gift from Sri Lanka when he was one-year-old. However, after international condemnation due to the woeful state of Islamabad’s zoo, all animals were ordered to be moved.

Sources claim the elephant will be flown to Cambodia on November 29.

Outrage over Kaavan, went global a few years ago after California vet Samar Khan saw him chained in his enclosure during a visit to Islamabad.

She launched an online petition that eventually caught the attention of American pop icon Cher.

Kaavan’s mate Saheli, who arrived also from Sri Lanka in 1990, died of gangrene in 2012. It is hoped Kavaan might eventually be able to re-partner once he is moved to Cambodia.

Source: Express Tribune