I’m sure you’ve all seen stories of animals that have been rescued, and often they are heartbreaking. However if we focus on the positive, then we can see clear to the new life they will lead, from whatever horrible fate led them there.

For me, in the past few weeks it has been the story of Kaavan, the world’s loneliest elephant.

Living in Thailand has taught me a lot about elephants, and sadly most of all, how they have been used and abused for human entertainment for far too long. It is starting to change now with more and more elephant and animal welfare groups spreading awareness of how they are treated in becoming slaves of the tourist industry.

Don’t worry, I’m not going into detail here as this is a uplifting story that will hopefully lead to Kaavan becoming the healthy, happy and well-adjusted ellie he should have always been destined to be. That being said, please never ride an elephant, and only visit elephants at a reputable sanctuary. Do your research!

Now about Kaavan…

Kaavan is a 35-year-old elephant originally from Sri Lanka, that was ‘gifted’ to Pakistan, and had lived his mostly entire live in an Islamabad zoo until just recently, many of those years chained. There he had a partner in Saheli. She was brought to join him in 1990, but sadly she passed away in 2012, leaving Kaavan desperately lonely in solitude, leading him to be known as the ‘world’s loneliest elelphant’.

Thankfully for Kaavan, in 2015 a campaign was finally launched by local and international animal rights activists that led to general outrage and sympathy in the conditions of his captivity. Luckily, this these actions have now freed him to live a life dignified at his new home in Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary, where he can begin to heal, and within time and lots of TLC, will help him find true contentment, companionship and happiness at long last.

From the team at CWS as of December 5, 2020 : This is his quarantine time, to adjust to a new environment, and to understand that there are people who care for him. Each day he improves. His mental health is questionable, but will improve with time. He has endured years of harm in solitude, ripped away from his mother’s loving care at such a tender age. It is hopeful so early to see the loss of stereotypical behavior and the depressed state of his head leaning against walls for endless hours. He explores the 1st step of his re-homing. And he is adapting very well, with some marked contentment. Kaavan now has neighbors who interest him, but he is somewhat aloof to them, and the potential companions somewhat intimidated by this new resident.

Kaavan is now here at the Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary. We have a duty, and a team, committed to the task of creating a Space worthy of a captive bull, to live in dignity and freedom. There is a forest jungle awaiting him. Our team will complete his home with the support of many, or a significant few. We want to provide an environment that offers to him a complete and natural life, as much as is possible.

To rescue a life, caught up in the indignation of a compassionate few, takes time to resolve. The reward of vigilance is victory, and across the world, this should stand as a Marker event, to encourage us, to know that our voice, our letters, our petitions, mean so much! Many people have contributed to this story.

First, I would like to thank those first people who brought attention to Kaavan’s life. Thank you for not hesitating to represent him to the world. Thank you to the magistrates in Pakistan, in the court of Law, to recognize his rights as a highly sentient and social being, to our own responsibility to bring justice to life, and to assist in the provision of that. You make the law work for good, and bring us closer to a bright new day.

Thanks to Cher, Mark Cowne, Anika Sleem and all from the Team of FreeTheWild, who brought broad international attention and support to Kaavan, and his eventual release. It has been a trying road, but victorious. Thanks to media Team Kaavan who sent story to voice for Kaavan until he got freedom.

Thanks to Dr Amir, and to the Four Paws team, who provided the exceptional care and means for his relocation to the Cambodian Wildlife Sanctuary.

It must be acknowledged, that none of this would have happened without the great effort of our Cambodian friend and partner, the founding director, Mr Sok Hong, who worked so hard to provide all help necessary for every step of paper permissions with government officials, with CITES requirements, with foreign affairs departments during a COVID lockdown. His effort made the impossible possible. It is not a simple task to process the requirements for a first time relocation of an Elephant from abroad during difficult times. Thanks also to David B. Casselman, the co-founder of CWS, who proferred the first funds to help initiate Kaavan’s relocation. His passion for the preservation and care of the Wild, captive or not, is inspiring.

Thanks to all friends who donated via Gentle Giants shelter fund. Thank you to Mr. Philip Wollen, whose support and generosity toward our Animal care ,has breathed new life into our work.

Finally, thank you to the Team who works so tirelessly in creating the spaces required for Kaavan, welcoming him upon arrival to a better life in Cambodia, and continuing to provide for him in the days ahead, as we seek to provide for his needs as a captive wild bull caught up in this mess of humanity. At least here, this boy will become healthy and happy again. We must now turn a similar vigilant eye to others who suffer inconsolably, isolated, an exhibit, or a revenue generating presence, so ignoble.

It is time for humility. It is time for remorse. It is time for compassion and presence, which has been lacking for millenia.

Thanks to all of you who have contributed in any measure to this gift of life for Kaavan, and toward all others who suffer his fate, or worse. Our United Voice and Vigilance changes everything.

Below is Kaavan’s journey to his new world that is receiving him with open arms and open hearts.

To make any donations to Four Paws International or Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary, the link to their facebook pages are below:

https://www.facebook.com/fourpaws.org/

https://www.facebook.com/CambodiaWS/photos/?ref=page_internal

On an important side note: In May, Pakistan’s high court ordered the Marghazar Zoo, the former home of Kaavan, closed because of its abysmal conditions, which were blamed on systemic negligence.