10.12.2020 07:25 15.430
How is the “loneliest elephant in the world” doing in his new home?
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Kaavan became famous as the loneliest elephant in the world. Now he has been brought to Cambodia. How is he now
Phnom Penh (Cambodia) – For years Kaavan lay in chains in a zoo in Pakistan. Now a new life has begun for the pachyderms in Cambodia – trees and elephant cows included.
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Elephant Kaavan walks through the enclosure in the “Kulen Prom Tep Wildlife Sanctuary” in the province of Oddar Meanchey. © Uncredited / Environment Ministry / dpa
Ten days ago the famous elephant Kaavan was brought to Cambodia after suffering for decades in a zoo in Pakistan (TAG24 reported).
There he now lives in a protected area. Pop icon Cher and numerous animal rights activists campaigned for the freedom of the 35-year-old pachyderm. How is Kaavan doing now?
“He is getting used to his new home and is being supplied with everything he needs by the local team,” said Katharina Braun, spokeswoman for the animal welfare organization Vier Pfoten, on Wednesday for the German press agency. “At first he still lives in a quarantine area, but later he is to be released into a larger enclosure.”
Because of its poor husbandry conditions, Kaavan gained notoriety and was known as “the loneliest elephant in the world”.
For years he had lain in chains in a small enclosure at the Marghazar Zoo in Islamabad.
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Kaavan nuzzles his new family. © ncredited / Four Paws / dpa
The journey of the trunk, which weighs tons, had been prepared for months, including a transport cage that had to be custom-made.
“The journey has been very exhausting for him,” said Darrick Thomson, a Canadian elephant expert who helped set up Kaavan’s arrival. “He did very well, I was impressed.”
Usually elephants suffered from gas or diarrhea after such stress, “but Kaavan had neither, his droppings were pretty normal,” Thomson said. “A good sign.”
The pachyderm is now getting a new family: The elephant cows Diploh, Arun Reah and Sarai Mia are already living in the sanctuary. The three are still a bit reserved, says Braun. “He’s a big cop, after all.”
The on-site team will ensure that they get used to Kaavan’s smell, and the elephants can also “sniff” each other with their trunks.
Kaavan’s diet has meanwhile been switched to fresh grass. Thomson says he’s very curious about everything around him, such as the trees in his enclosure.
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