Kaavan, who is also known as the world’s loneliest elephant, was kept in chains for 35 years, but after getting international attention, he is getting a new home soon!
Since the year 2012, the elephant has been totally alone.
Saheli, an elephant, was the companion of Kaavan, however, she died in 2012.
The 2 elephants shared an enclosure since 1990, but 8 years ago, Kaavan was left alone due to the death of Saheli.
Kaavan lives at the Maraghazar Zoo in Islamabad, Pakistan, he was tied up at all times, which led outrage across the country and the entire world.
A petition was created and hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world signed their names to give him a new house, where he would be having a better life.
Zoo bosses insisted that the elephant was not chained and said that a new mate will be coming for the elephant, however, none of that were true.
The poor elephant was forced to spend all his time alone.
The zoo claims that Kaavan is only chained when he becomes extremely violent, however, official reports suggested that Kaavan was being bitten up.
This was being carried out to control the temper of the elephant.
He was also placed in an enclosure that has no shade.
Temperatures can reach up to 40 Celsius in Islamabad, Pakistan.
Safwan Shahab Ahmad, the vice-chairman of Pakistan Wildlife Foundation, said that Kaavan has a mental illness.
Mr. Ahmad has studied elephants since the 90s.
Mohammad Jalal, the keeper of Kaavan, said:
Due to the lack of any exercise whatsoever and inappropriate diet, his toe nails are in very bad condition due to the lack of proper foot care and appropriate flooring. Mentally, he was also in a poor state – showing severe stereotypical behaviour and also aggressive attitude to humans. This can be easily explained by the lack of any mental enrichment and contact with other elephants, as well as humans – his mahouts were merely piling up the food in a single place once a day in his enclosure and then going home.
Thanks to court battles and outcry from residents of the country, Kaavan will be getting a new home.
Recent reports suggest that Kaavan will be getting a new house next month.
Kaavan will be transported to the Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary, where he will be given the care that he needs.
He will also be getting friends at the sanctuary.