Sri Lankan-born elephant – Kaavan – who has been the highlight of news for the past few months, was flown to his new home Siem Reap, in Cambodia, after a campaign to move the elephant which was even supported by singer Cher.
Dubbed the “world’s loneliest” elephant, Kaavan spent 35 years in the Marghazar Zoo in Islamabad without adequate socialisation; he has been on his own since his partner died in 2012. Born in Sri Lanka, he was sent to Pakistan as a diplomatic gift from Sri Lanka.
Kaavan’s move to the sanctuary in Cambodia was handled by Four Paws International, a global animal welfare organisation based in Vienna, Austria. Veterinarian and Four Paws International Director Dr. Amir Khalil, who has been overlooking Kaavan’s care since the organisation took over the animal’s relocation, has since formed a close bond with him.
The elephant was flown out of his old home on Sunday (29 November) and is now at the new sanctuary in Cambodia. He has since been pictured making contact with another of his species for the first time in eight years after being alone in the Pakistan zoo for years.