Cher to visit Pakistan to help 'world's loneliest elephant'

Iconic singer and actress Cher was set to visit Pakistan on Friday to celebrate departure of Kaavan, dubbed “world’s loneliest elephant,” who will soon leave a Pakistani zoo for better conditions after years of lobbying by animal rights groups and activists. Because of security concerns, Cher's schedule was t me public but “she is on her way,” said Martin Bauer of Four Paws International, a Vienna-based animal welfare group that's led charge to save Kaavan.

elephant has languished in zoo for 35 years, and lost his partner in 2012. He was diagsed by veterinarians as both overweight and malurished earlier this year, and also suffers behavioral issues. He's set to leave for a sanctuary in Cambodia on Sunday.

Cher took up Kaavan’s cause and has been a loud voice vocating for his resettlement. Four Paws, which often carries out animal rescue missions, has provided medical treatment needed before Kaavan can travel. battle for his relocation began in 2016. “Thanks to Cher, but also local Pakistani activists, Kaavan’s fate me helines around world, and this contributed to facilitation of his transfer,” Bauer told Associated Press on Friday.

Even after he’s in Cambodia, he’ll require years of physical and even psychological assistance, Bauer said. Because of abysmal living conditions blamed on systemic negligence, Pakistan's high court in May ordered closure of Marghazar Zoo in capital of Islamab, where Kaavan has lived for much of his life.

A medical examination in September showed Kaavan's nails were cracked and overgrown — result of years of living in an improper enclosure with flooring that damd his feet. elephant has also developed stereotypical behavior, shaking his he back and forth for hours, which medical team of wildlife veterinarians and experts blamed on his utter boredom.

For past three months, a Four Paws team including veterinarian Dr. Amil Khalil and Islamab Wildlife Manment Board has been reying Kaavan to leave. Members of welfare group will also accompany him to sanctuary.Bauer lauded powerful impact celebrity voices can have for animal rights.

“Celebrities lending ir voices to good causes are always welcomed, as y help starting public discourse and raising pressure on responsible authorities,” he said.“Around globe re are animal lovers, famous and t famous, and support of every single one of m is crucial," he ded.

(Im Credit: AP) 

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