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ISLAMABAD: Kaavan, Pakistan’s only Asiatic elephant, will fly to Cambodia in a jet today (Sunday).
A transport crate has been built and the elephant is habituated to it for departure to the Cambodian wildlife sanctuary. After spending about 35 years in the Capital, Kaavan was being shifted to a sanctuary in Cambodia following the orders of the Islamabad High Court.
A Russian cargo plane has especially been chartered to transport the elephant. Kaavan’s retirement from Marghazar Zoo was made possible after a lengthy campaign by local and international animal activists.
Kavaan arrived in Pakistan in 1985 as a presidential gift from the Sri Lankan government. In 2002, the animal was put in chains by the zoo administration due to its aggressive behavior. The chains were removed around five years ago following public outcry.
According to the premier’s aide on climate change, Malik Amin Aslam, Kaavan will be sent to the elephants’ permanent habitat in Cambodia to lead a ‘cheerful’ life. The climate change ministry has already issued a permit for him to fly out of the country.
Sri Lanka had gifted the elephant to Pakistan as a young calf 35 years ago and another elephant had come with him but she died years ago. In 2002, zookeepers chained him over ‘violent behavior but unchained him later that year.
Activists around the world campaigned for Kaavan’s release accusing Islamabad zookeepers of keeping him isolated, chained up, and not providing the large animal with proper shelter and relief during hot summer months.
On November 27, Prime Minister Imran Khan had admired the efforts of famous American singer and celebrity Cher to transfer Kaavan, the country’s only Asian elephant to Cambodia.
The singer, who had for years campaigned for Kaavan the elephant and is helping pay for his move from Pakistan, arrived in Islamabad this week and called on Premier Imran on Friday.
US celebrity singer @cher called on Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI at Islamabad today.
Appreciating her efforts in retiring #Kaavan to an elephant sanctuary, the Prime Minister thanked Cher for her campaign and role in this regard. pic.twitter.com/eIhmRc4KHW
— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) November 27, 2020
According to an official statement issued from Prime Minister Office said, “Admired her efforts in retiring Kaavan to an elephant sanctuary, PM Imran thanked Cher for her campaign and role in this regard.”
The premier also invited the singer to participate in the government’s initiative for the expansion of protected areas, to which she kindly agreed.
It was indeed a happy moment for the country that after giving joy and happiness to the people of Islamabad and Pakistan for about 35-years, Kaavan will now be able to retire with other elephants in a specialized sanctuary in Cambodia, PM Imran observed.
During the meeting, Cher applauded the premier for his government’s key initiatives for ensuring a cleaner and greener Pakistan. She said that both the “Protected Areas Initiative” and the “10 billion Tree Tsunami” project of the government are highly praiseworthy as nature-based tools for climate mitigation.
Cher also offered her support for furthering the green initiatives through her organization “Free the Wild” and thanked PM Imran. After the meeting, Cher tweeted that she thanked PM Imran “For Making It Possible For Me To Take Kaavan To Cambodia”.
Just Came From Meeting To Thank Prime Minister Imran Kahn For Making It Possible For
Me To Take Kaavan To Cambodia. Kaavan Will Be Able To Leave For Cambodia On The 29. Think Documentary Will Be Heartwarming🙏🏻.— Cher (@cher) November 27, 2020
