Let’s talk trunks. Kaavan, the world’s most lonely elephant, makes new friends in Cambodian jungle after being rescued from a Pakistani Zoo.

  • Kaavan, the elephant once called “the world’s lonely” spent 35 years in captivity mostly at a Pakistani Zoo. 
  • He was rescued last year and moved to the Cambodian jungle where experts say he is now ‘thriving’
  • THe had been alone in captivity for the past eight years, since his death.
  • But Kaavan has now been able to interact with other elephants and even touched trunks in a ‘friendly gesture’ 

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After being rescued from captivity, the elephant was once called “the world’s lonely elephant”. He is back with friends and living the life that he deserves.

Kaavan the elephant is now thriving in the Cambodian jungle a year after he was rescued from a Pakistani Zoo, Dr Amir Khalil, of the global animal welfare organisation Four Paws has said.

The Asian elephant had previously lived in captivity for 35 years. He has been living alone since 2012 when his partner died.

He is now thriving in Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary after his rescue and has lived an elephant-worthy existence for the past year.

Kaavan the elephant is now thriving in the Cambodian jungle a year after he was rescued from a Pakistani Zoo, experts from the global animal welfare organisation Four Paws have said

Experts from Four Paws, a global animal welfare organization that supports animals worldwide, have stated that Kaavan, the elephant from Pakistan has reintegrated into the Cambodian jungle and is doing well a year later.

Though not yet socialised with other elephants, Kaavan has been able to interact with those in neighbouring enclosures, allow for the elephants to get used to each other's smell and touch each other's trunks, a friendly gesture

Kaavan, though he has not been socialized yet with other elephants but he is able to communicate with others in the enclosures. It allows for elephants to become familiar with each other’s scent and allow them to touch one another’s trunks.

One year on from his rescue, Kaavan is said to be flourishing in his new home at Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary and living an elephant-worthy life

Kaavan, one year after his rescue, is reported to be doing well at Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary. He lives an elephant-worthy lifestyle.

Since Kavaan's rescue, the Islamabad High Court announced a ban on the import of new elephants into the country. Pictured: Kaavan in Marghazar Zoo, Islamabad, Pakistan

The Islamabad High Court has announced that new elephant imports are prohibited in the country since Kavaan was saved. Pictured: Kaavan in Marghazar Zoo, Islamabad, Pakistan

Four Paws vet Dr Amir said that Amir has rediscovered his instincts and is able to enjoy other elephants.

Kaavan lives the life he deserves. It’s a pleasure to visit him and see what the past year did for his life.

“While Kaavan is not yet socialized with elephants, CWS will continue to track his progress and determine whether he wants to have a companion.

The elephants will get to know each other by touching each other’s trunks and smelling each other until then.

Although 35 years of captivity is a traumatizing experience, Kaavan continues to make great progress. Kaavan can be found roaming in the spacious jungle enclosure or taking a bath in his pond.

Kaavan, an Asian elephant, previously spent 35 years in captivity, and since his partner's death in 2012, he has spent the past eight years alone. Pictured in Marghazar Zoo, Islamabad in Pakistan

Kaavan, an Asian Elephant, spent previously 35 years in captivity. Since his death in 2012, Kaavan has lived alone for the last eight years. Pictured in Marghazar Zoo, Islamabad in Pakistan

Pictured: Kaavan, dubbed the world's loneliest elephant, in Marghazar Zoo, Islamabad, Pakistan before he was rescued

Pictured before rescue: Kaavan was nicknamed the “world’s most lonely elephant” in Marghazar Zoo Islamabad Pakistan.

Dr Amir, a Four Paws veterinarian, said: 'Kaavan is living the life he deserves. I'm looking forward to visiting him as soon as possible to see for myself what a difference the last year made' Pictured: Kaavan is seen collecting branches

Four Paws vet, Dr Amir stated that Kaavan lives the life he deserves. “I’m eager to visit him soon to see what an impact the past year has made.” Pictured: Kaavan collecting branches

The Asian elephant previously spent 35 years in captivity, and since his partner's death in 2012, he has spent the past eight years alone. Pictured: Kaavan shortly after being moved to Cambodia

After 35 years of captivity, the Asian elephant spent eight years living alone. Pictured: Kaavan shortly after being moved to Cambodia

American music icon Cher holds a license plate with her and Kaavan's names on it as she waits for his arrival in Cambodia on November 30

Cher, American singer and musician is holding a license plate that bears Kaavan and her names as it waits for him to arrive in Cambodia.

“Back at the Pakistani zoo, he was showing serious behavioural issues, shaking his heads and moving around in the dim enclosure.

Kaavan had to be flown from Pakistan to Siem Reap via plane. The team used creative methods to make sure the experience was easy for him.

The Islamabad High Court declared a ban on imports of elephants to the country after Kavaan was saved.

Dr. Amir declared that Kaavan’s rescue was an unforgettable experience.

“We moved an elephant from Pakistan in a worldwide pandemic to Cambodia with Cher and other national officials.

“I am proud to have been part of this unique story.”

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