Pakistan’s only Asian elephant has spent years in dire straits at the controversial Islamabad Zoo, where it suffered from a lack of exercise as well as cracked and defective nails due to living in an unsuitable structure.
After Kawan’s partner died in 2012, he was called “the world’s tallest elephant” – and since 2016, Cher has been part of a massive social media campaign to replace him.
Kavan on June 30, 2016 at Margar Zoo in Islamabad.
Aamir Qureshi / AFP / Getty Images
Prior to the flight, Four Paws specialists trained elephants to experience small dark and loud noises in flight, using bananas and other items.
In a statement from the Smithsonian Channel, which is producing a documentary on the elephant’s story, Cher learned about Kavan from people on Twitter.
“I thought, ‘How can I fix this? How can I save an elephant that has been kept in a shed for 17 years and that is a thousand miles away?’,” Cher said. “This is the first big defense of Free the Wild and I’m proud.”
Ahead of their trip, Cherry toured Pakistan and serenaded Kavanagh with the song “A Dream Is Wish Your Heart Max”.
A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said that former cricket star Khan has thanked the chair and invited him to participate more in environmental initiatives in Pakistan.
Additional reporting by Reuters
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