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An elephant who has become a cause notorious for animal rights activists around the world may leave his Pakistani zoo in favor of better conditions, animal welfare activists said.
Kaavan, dubbed the “world’s loneliest elephant” by his followers, has languished at the Marghazar Zoo in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad for more than 35 years.
Martin Bauer, a spokesman for the animal rights group Four Paws, said the elephant finally received medical approval to travel, probably to Cambodia, where it will find companionship and better conditions.
The creature has languished in Islamabad’s Maragzar Zoo for decades (AP) “>Bauer said the overweight elephant underwent a full medical examination at the zoo on Friday.
In May, the Pakistan High Court ordered the closure of the Marghazar Zoo due to appalling conditions, attributed to systemic negligence.
Rescuing Kaavan from the dire conditions at the zoo attracted the attention of animal activists from around the world, as well as celebrities, including American singer Cher, who lobbied for his relocation.
Bauer added: “Unfortunately, the rescue is too late for two lions who died during a transfer attempt in late July after local animal keepers set fire to their enclosure to force them into their transport cages.”
He said Four Paws was invited by the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board to safely transfer the remaining animals at the zoo.
#SupportPakistaniAnimals: #For formula, the loneliest elephant in the world 🐘
We were asked to carry out a medical examination to see if it is fit to transport it. Find the results here: https://t.co/AS4MfrTSdI #IslamabadZoo pic.twitter.com/HecsHWhIP9– FOUR LEGS (@fourpawsint) September 5, 2020
So far Kaavan has been forced to live a lonely life in a small compound.
Friday’s medical examination showed that the elephant was overweight, even when showing signs of malnutrition.
Her toenails were cracked and overgrown apparently from years of living in an unsuitable enclosure with flooring that damaged her feet.
“After the checks, which confirmed that Kaavan is strong enough, steps will now be taken to finalize his relocation to an animal sanctuary, potentially in Cambodia,” Bauer said.
The creature faces behavioral and physical problems (AP) “>His recovery will be long, Bauer said, adding that Kaavan’s injuries are more than physical. He also suffers from behavior problems.
Kaavan, who lost her partner in 2012, has struggled with loneliness and poor living conditions. Both have taken their toll, the Four Paws spokesman said.
“He also developed stereotypical behavior, which means that he moves his head from side to side for hours. This is mainly because he is just bored, ”said Mr. Bauer.
The Four Paws team that performed Kaavan’s physical exam included veterinarians and wildlife experts.
It is not immediately known when Kaavan will be able to travel. Rights activists have lobbied for his relocation since 2016.
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