The world’s loneliest zoo elephant

The “world’s loneliest elephant” is on his way to a better life.

After living in poor conditions in Marghazar Zoo in Islamabad, Pakistan, since 1985, Kaavan, nicknamed the “world’s loneliest elephant,” is moving to a sanctuary in Cambodia today for a new and hopefully happier life.

Photo: Four Paws

When he was only a year old, 35 years ago, Kaavan was gifted to Pakistan from Sri Lanka. He was kept in abysmal conditions at the Marghazar Zoo for all those years, most of which he spent in chains. Kaavan had a partner, Saheli, who lived with him from 1990 to 2012, when she died of an infection. The heartbroken elephant has been alone ever since.

Thanks to activists around the world, including singer Cher’s charity Free the Wild, Kaavan will be moved to an animal sanctuary in Siem Reap, Cambodia, today where he will finally be able to interact with other elephants. There are currently three female elephants at the sanctuary.