Kaavan the ‘world’s loneliest elephant’ bound for happier new home in Cambodia

For 35 years, Kaavan languished in a state of neglect at Pakistan’s Marghazar Zoo, where he was malnourished and often in mental distress

At the Cambodian sanctuary, Kaavan will no longer be friendless and uncared for – and he could even find love, activists say

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Kaavan has been living in misery for three decades at an Islamabad zoo. Photo: AP

Published: 10:02am, 28 Nov 2020Updated: 2:15pm, 28 Nov 2020

The “world’s loneliest elephant” is set to leave Pakistan for better conditions on Sunday, after years of lobbying by animal rights groups and activists.

Kaavan’s new home will be a sanctuary in Cambodia, said Martin Bauer, spokesman for global animal welfare group Four Paws International, which has led the charge to save the animal since 2016.

Four Paws, which often carries out animal rescue missions, will accompany Kaavan to the sanctuary.

Dr Amir Khalil from Four Paws comforts Kaavan during an examination on November 27, 2020. Photo: AP

Kaavan has languished in the Marghazar Zoo in Islamabad for 35 years and lost his partner in 2012, when she had an infection that turned gangrenous.

Her body lay beside Kaavan for several days before being removed, said Dr Amir Khalil, veterinarian with Four Paws. Kaavan was heartbroken after his partner died, he added.

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Kaavan the ‘world’s loneliest elephant’ bound for happier new home in Cambodia

For 35 years, Kaavan languished in a state of neglect at Pakistan’s Marghazar Zoo, where he was malnourished and often in mental distress

At the Cambodian sanctuary, Kaavan will no longer be friendless and uncared for – and he could even find love, activists say

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Kaavan the ‘world’s loneliest elephant’ bound for happier new home in Cambodia

For 35 years, Kaavan languished in a state of neglect at Pakistan’s Marghazar Zoo, where he was malnourished and often in mental distress At the Cambodian sanctuary, Kaavan will no longer be friendless and uncared for – and he could even find love, activists say

‘Looks like a war here’: India-Pakistan clash escalates with strikes on bases

Water wars: as India weaponises rivers, Pakistan thirsts for security

Chinese J-10C combat claims draw sharp contrast between social media and Beijing

For 35 years, Kaavan languished in a state of neglect at Pakistan’s Marghazar Zoo, where he was malnourished and often in mental distress

At the Cambodian sanctuary, Kaavan will no longer be friendless and uncared for – and he could even find love, activists say