New captivating photos reveal the heartfelt moment when legendary singer Cher met Kaavan, dubbed the ‘World’s Loneliest Elephant,’ after her journey to Pakistan in November last year to ensure his rescue.
Kaavan, a malnourished Asian elephant, had spent nearly two decades in chains at a zoo, capturing the hearts of thousands online.
Cher, 74, became deeply involved in the social media campaign to liberate Kaavan after her fans persistently shared his story with her. Moved by the images, she decided to take action, ultimately flying to Pakistan to secure Kaavan’s freedom.
The singer’s first encounter with Kaavan is beautifully captured in these recent images, which will be featured in a documentary about the rescue mission, airing on Thursday evening on the Smithsonian Channel.
During his time at the zoo, Kaavan suffered from appalling living conditions, leading to numerous health problems.
He was prodded to beg for tips in a cramped, decaying shed under the scorching Islamabad sun. Tragically, his only companion passed away due to neglect.
Cher’s compassion and determination led to Kaavan’s eventual release. As a co-founder of Free The Wild, Cher partnered with Mark Cowne, Gina Nelthorpe Cowne, and Jennifer Ruiz, even recording a song called “Walls” to amplify the cause. In May 2020, a Pakistani court ordered Kaavan’s release.
Working alongside the international rescue organization Four Paws and veterinarian Dr. Amir Khalil, the team found a suitable home for Kaavan in a Cambodian wildlife sanctuary.
Cher traveled to Pakistan in November 2020 to oversee the rescue, documented in the film “Cher & The Loneliest Elephant.”
Cher has been actively using her fame for good, focusing on animal welfare. Free The Wild is currently working on rescuing several animals, though progress can be slow.
Cher emphasizes the importance of starting multiple projects simultaneously and convincing people to relocate animals to sanctuaries.
Kaavan, Pakistan’s only Asian elephant, had been confined to a zoo for 35 years and lost his partner in 2012. In 2020, veterinarians diagnosed him as both overweight and malnourished, with behavioral issues.
His journey to freedom began in 2016, culminating in his transfer to a sanctuary in November 2020 after years of lobbying by animal rights activists and organizations.
Martin Bauer from Four Paws acknowledged Cher and local Pakistani activists’ roles in bringing Kaavan’s story to the world stage, facilitating his transfer. Despite being relocated to Cambodia, Kaavan still requires years of physical and psychological assistance, as noted by Bauer.
Pakistan’s high court ordered the closure of Marghazar Zoo in Islamabad, where Kaavan spent most of his life, in May 2020.
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