An elephant Kaavan who has become a cause célèbre for animal rights activists around the world will be allowed to leave his Pakistani zoo and be transferred to better conditions, the animal welfare group helping with the case has said.
Dubbed the “world’s loneliest elephant” by his supporters, Kaavan has languished at a zoo in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad for more than 35 years.
Martin Bauer, a spokesman for Four Paws, said on Saturday that the elephant has finally been given medical approval to travel, most likely to Cambodia, where he will find companionship and better conditions.
Kaavan, who is overweight, underwent a full medical examination at the zoo on Friday, said Bauer.
In May, Pakistan’s high court ordered the Marghazar zoo closed because of its abysmal conditions, which were blamed on systemic negligence.
The cause of rescuing Kaavan from the zoo’s dire conditions attracted the attention of animal activists around the world and celebrities, including American singer Cher, who lobbied for his relocation.
“Unfortunately, the rescue comes too late for two lions that died during an attempted transfer at the end of July after local animal handlers set a fire in their enclosure to force them into their transport crates,” Bauer said in a statement released on Saturday.
He said Four Paws was invited by the Islamabad wildlife management board to safely transfer the remaining animals in the zoo. Kaavan has until now been forced to live a solitary life in a small enclosure.
Friday’s medical examination found that the elephant was overweight, even as he showed signs of malnutrition. His nails were cracked and overgrown apparently from years of living in an unsuitable enclosure with flooring that damaged his feet.
“Following the checks, which confirmed Kaavan is strong enough, steps will now be taken to finalise his relocation to an animal sanctuary potentially in Cambodia,” Bauer said.
His recovery will be a long one, said Bauer, adding that Kaavan’s wounds are more than just physical. He also exhibits behavioural issues.
Kaavan, who lost his partner in 2012, has battled loneliness as well as poor living conditions. Both have taken their toll, said Bauer in an interview.
“He also developed stereotypical behaviour, which means he shakes his head back and forth for hours. This is mainly because he is simply bored,” said Bauer.
The Four Paws team that carried out Kaavan’s physical included wildlife veterinarians and experts.
It wasn’t immediately known when Kaavan would be able to travel. Rights activists have lobbied for his relocation since 2016.
Originally published by The Guardian