The music and film icon Cher recently traveled to Pakistan to celebrate Kaavan’s departure from his home in the Pakistani zoo and his resettlement in Cambodia, where he will live under much better conditions in a special sanctuary. Kaavan is also known as the “world’s loneliest elephant,” and providing a happier life for him has been the goal of many animal rights groups and activists in recent years. Their efforts have finally paid off.
Cher Was a Strong Advocate for Kaavan’s Resettlement
Back in 2016, when the world first learned about Kaavan’ plight, many animal activists and organizations began petitioning to free the sad and lonely elephant. Four Paws, known as an animal rescue mission organization, and Cher took up Kaavan’s cause and eventually fought for its happy ending. The singer flew to Pakistan off the record and met with Prime Minister Imran Khan to discuss the details of Kaavan’s resettlement.
Kaavan hasn’t had an easy life. He has languished in the Pakistani zoo for over 35 years, spending most of that time in chains. The animal even lost his beloved partner in 2012 when she died after an infection. What caused severe emotional damage to Kaavan was the fact his dead partner laid next to him for days before it was removed. Can you imagine the trauma the heartbroken elephant went through? It’s one of the reasons Dr. Amir Khalil, a veterinarian working with Four Paws, diagnosed Kaavan as emotionally and physically damaged. Living in chains, surviving his partner, and spending so much time in isolation all contributed to dubbing him the loneliest elephant in the world.
Cher Is Making a Documentary on Kaavan
After her meeting with Khan, Cher expressed her gratitude to Pakistan’s prime minister for making it possible to take the elephant to a safe sanctuary in Cambodia. She also revealed she’s working on a documentary that traces Kaavan’s journey and resettlement. She believes it “will be heartwarming,” and we agree!