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An elephant that has become a cause notorious for animal rights activists around the world will be able to leave its Pakistani zoo and be moved to better conditions, the animal welfare group that helped with the case said on Saturday.
Dubbed “the loneliest elephant in the world” by his followers, Kaavan has languished in a zoo in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad for more than 35 years.
Martin Bauer, a spokesman for Four Paws, said the elephant has finally received medical clearance to travel, probably to Cambodia, where it will find companionship and better conditions.
Anjum Naveed / AP
A vet offers Kaavan comfort before his exam.
The overweight elephant Kaavan underwent a full medical examination at the zoo on Friday, Bauer said.
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In May, the High Court of Pakistan ordered the closure of the Marghazar Zoo due to its appalling conditions and blamed it on systemic negligence.
Rescuing Kaavan from the dire conditions at the zoo attracted the attention of animal activists from around the world and celebrities, including American singer Cher, who lobbied for his relocation.
Anjum Naveed / AP
The dire living conditions of this elephant have prompted calls to action from around the world, including celebrities.
“Unfortunately, the rescue is too late for two lions who died during a transfer attempt in late July after local animal handlers set fire to their enclosure to force them into their transport boxes,” Bauer said in a statement issued on Saturday.
He said Four Paws was invited by the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board to safely transfer the remaining animals at the zoo.
So far Kaavan has been forced to live a lonely life in a small compound.
Anjum Naveed / AP
A Pakistani court approved the elephant’s relocation to Cambodia after animal rights activists launched a campaign.
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.
“Following the checks, which confirmed that Kaavan is strong enough, steps will now be taken to finalize its relocation to a potentially animal sanctuary in Cambodia,” Bauer said.
Anjum Naveed / AP
Veterinarians from the international animal welfare organization ‘Four Paws’ examine Kaavan at the Maragzar Zoo in Islamabad, Pakistan.
His recovery will be long, Bauer said, adding that Kaavan’s injuries are more than physical. She also suffers from behavioral problems.
Kaavan, who lost her partner in 2012, has struggled with loneliness and poor living conditions. Both have taken their toll, Bauer said in an interview.
“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, ”Bauer said.
Anjum Naveed / AP
The elephant has developed behavior problems after years in extreme conditions.
The Four Paws team that performed Kaavan’s physical exam included veterinarians and wildlife experts.
It was not immediately known when Kaavan might travel.
Rights activists have lobbied for his relocation since 2016.
Anjum Naveed / AP
Kaavan has a long recovery ahead of him.
