 Kaavan taking fruit from Cher in 2021 | |
| Species | Asian elephant |
|---|---|
| Sex | Male |
| Born | 1985 (age 38–39) Sri Lanka |
| Years active | 1985–2020 in Pakistan 2020–present in Cambodia |
| Known for | Lengthy captivity and eventual relocation after international campaign |
Kaavan (Urdu: کاون; born 1985) is a male Asian elephant known as the "world's loneliest elephant"[1] since his partner, 22-year-old Saheli, died in 2012.[2] Kaavan was gifted by the government of Sri Lanka to Pakistan in 1985. He remained at the Islamabad Zoo until November 2020, when he was moved to a sanctuary in Cambodia,[3] in response to a campaign launched by local and international animal rights activists, led by American singer Cher.[4][5]
In May 2020, the Islamabad High Court ordered Kaavan to be released.[6]
- ^ "'World's loneliest elephant' heads to Cambodia". The Express Tribune. 30 November 2020. Retrieved 3 December 2020.
- ^ "Saying goodbye: 22-year-old Saheli passes away at Islamabad zoo". The Express Tribune. 1 May 2012.
- ^ "'Loneliest' elephant Kaavan set to leave for Cambodian sanctuary". DAWN.COM. AFP. 29 November 2020. Retrieved 3 December 2020.
- ^ "Freedom for Kaavan". thenews.com.pk. 24 May 2020. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
- ^ "Pakistan to free elephant Kaavan after campaign by US singer Cher". Al Jazeera. 22 May 2020. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
- ^ Ebrahim, Zofeen T. (12 August 2020). "Release of Kaavan the elephant reignites zoo debate in Pakistan". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 3 December 2020.