'World's loneliest elephant' okayed to quit zoo for new life

An elephant who has become a cause celebre for animal rights activists around world will be allowed to leave his Pakistani zoo and transferred to better conditions, animal welfare group helping with case said Saturday.

Dubbed ‘world’s loneliest elephant' by his supporters, Kaavan has languished at a zoo in Pakistani capital of Islamabad for more than 35 years.

Martin Bauer, a spokesman for Four Paws, said elephant has been finally given medical approval to travel, most likely to Cambodia, where he will find companionship and better conditions.

overweight elephant Kaavan underwent a full medical examination at zoo on Friday, said Bauer.

In May, Pakistan’s High Court ordered Marghazar Zoo closed because of its abysmal conditions blamed on systemic negligence.

Rescuing Kaavan from zoo's dire conditions attracted attention of animal activists around world, and celebrities including U.S. singer Cher, who lobbied for his relocation.

“Unfortunately, rescue comes too late for two lions that died during an attempted transfer at end of July after local animal handlers set a fire in ir enclosure to force m into ir transport crates,” Bauer said in a statement released on Saturday.

He said Four Paws was invited by Islamabad Wildlife Manment Board to safely transfer remaining animals in zoo. Kaavan has until w been forced to live a solitary life in a small enclosure.

Friday's medical examination showed elephant was overweight, even as he showed signs of malnutrition. His nails were cracked and overgrown apparently from years of living in an improper enclosure with flooring that damd his feet.

“Following checks, which confirmed Kaavan is strong eugh, steps will w be taken to finalize his relocation to an animal sanctuary potentially in Cambodia,” Bauer said.

His recovery will be a long one, said Bauer, adding that Kaavan's wounds are more than just physical. He also suffers behavioral issues.

Kaavan, who lost his partner in 2012, has battled loneliness as well as poor living conditions. Both have taken ir toll, said Bauer in an interview.

“He also developed stereotypical behavior, which means he shakes his head back and forth for hours. This is mainly because he is simply bored,” said Bauer.

Four Paws team that carried out Kaavan's physical included wildlife veterinarians and experts.

It wasn't immediately kwn when Kaavan would be able to travel. Rights activists have lobbied for his relocation since 2016.