Farewell, Pakistan: ‘World’s Loneliest Elephant’ Flies to a New Home in Cambodia

The Sad Plight

The elephant was first brought to Pakistan from Sri Lanka as a young calf in 1985. The Sri Lankan government gifted him to former dictator General Zia ul-Haq.

Over the years, the animal suffered abuse from caretakers who responded to his aggression by chaining his legs and beating him.

Kaavan's behavior took a turn for the worse when Saheli, his female elephant companion, died in 2012. Saheli allegedly died due to negligence and poor treatment.

According to his caretaker, Mohammad Jalal, Kaavan was barely seen happy. The lonely animal showed signs of mental torment, often seen swaying back and forth.

Kaavan was also confined in a small pen at Marghazar Zoo, with the enclosure obviously insufficient for his height.

Sunny Jamil, an activist at the Help Welfare Organization, also noted more signs of cruel treatment. He said that the pen could reach 40°C during summer. The elephant also did not receive enough water to cool down.

The Capital Development Authority, which is in charge of managing the zoo, denied poor treatment allegations. Sanaullah Aman, an official in the agency, said that they take every possible step to look after Kaavan's wellbeing.

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Campaign for Rescue

For three decades, the zoo failed to meet the elephant's needs, so animal rights activists campaigned to transfer Kaavan to a new home, launching petitions to cover the costs of moving him. An online petition even gained more than 280,000 signatures.

Activists calling for the release of the animal fought a long legal battle. The Capital Development Authority initially refused the elephant's transfer, probably due to fears of losing zoo visitors.

In May, the Islamabad High Court ordered wildlife officials to communicate with Sri Lanka. They were given 30 days to find a suitable sanctuary for the elephant. The ruling also ordered the relocation of a dozen other animals until the zoo's living conditions improve. 

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Dramatic Sendoff

Before Kaavan set off to its new home in Cambodia, officials and well-wishers gathered at Islamabad Zoo to bid farewell. Lawmakers and the climate change minister marked the occasion with a farewell party filled with balloons and signs bearing the words, "Farewell Kaavan, we will miss you." Musicians also serenaded Kaavan, and kids posed for photos.

Amir Khalil, a veterinarian from the animal rescue organization Four Paws, observed how Kaavan enjoyed the music. He bonded with the elephant by singing him Frank Sinatra songs.

Marion Lombard, the organization's spokesperson, said that the event was organized to allow the Pakistani people and government to say goodbye and send a happy retirement.

Transfer to a Humane Sanctuary

Kaavan trained for weeks with international specialists to prepare him for airlifting. Armed with banana treats, the specialists focused on having the elephant used to the small enclosure and loud noises of the 10-hour flight.

Wildlife workers sedated the elephant and used winch and rope to load him into a custom-made crate. 

The nearly five-ton Kaavan boarded a Russian Ilyushin Il-76 cargo plane. Kaavan seemed like a frequent flyer. During the flight, there was no noticeable sign of stress on the elephant. Kaavan was eating and even sleeping a bit.

The Cambodian sanctuary where Kaavan now lives houses more than 80 elephants and is equipped with experts and more appropriate facilities.

Global pop star Cher, who also actively advocated for the elephant's rescue, financed half of the cost of Kaavan's journey.

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