Saving Kaavan, the world’s loneliest elephant

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Dr Amir Khalil thought he was just going on another job. The veterinarian from the Vienna-based charity Four Paws International had been invited to Pakistan, where he was tasked with training a five-tonne Asian elephant in preparation for his relocation to a sanctuary in Cambodia. Kaavan had spent more than 30 years in the Marghazar zoo in Islamabad, after being gifted to Pakistan by Sri Lanka in 1985.

After decades of mistreatment, and a years-long campaign that gained international attention, Pakistan’s High Court finally ordered that the zoo be shut down, and Kaavan be moved to a new home. Dr Khalil knew moving Kaavan would be a monumental task, but he didn’t expect he’d form such a close bond with the elephant. “It is the first time in 30 years I built a relation with an animal,” he said.

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[FOURPAWS.International]

Dear South China Morning Post,
thank you so much for telling Kaavan´s incredible rescue story! It was one of the most challenging missions we have ever carried out.
Best, the FOUR PAWS team

[LEELOLKH]

Kaavan is no longer lonely here in Cambodia. We’ll take care of him the best we could. Shout out to Cher that made this happen.

[Albertdepena]

It wasnt your smell, nor your hair, nor your voice. It was your heart that he trust Dr. Amir. You treat him with love and respect, something he never felt before. You are a wonderful human being.

[vegan]

I hope Dr. AMIR will be able to visit KAVAAN again in Cambodia... that would be marvelous reunion....Thank you Dr.

[kapral_jedziniak]

Treating animals is a measure of humanity

[sanhestar]

Dr. Amir: it is never a mistake to form a bond with an animal. Even for a vet. Thank you for giving Kavaan your friendship.

[karnadyjuan]

not his voice but its his amazing heart that makes kaavan trust him

[BlueBirdsSong]

Please don’t cry sweet man, you saved him, he will remember you forever. I am crying now, not only because I see you sad but watching you sing to him, hug him…you will be rewarded for your kindness and empathy if not here on this Earth but when you meet him in Heaven a long time from now. Thank You so very much for all you did and I think you have a beautiful singing voice 💫✨🐘🐘❤️

[nazs]

Dr. Amir you're wonderful. Kaavan cried because he found love in your presence. Thank you for being the conduit to saving his life

[mpandunky]

I have followed this story intently. Dr. Amir is truly a world hero. Hope this raised awareness that animals in zoos mostly suffer and we must treat them better.

[ahmadyulyfirmansah]

The Elephant is social creature, that mean he need a friend. Be it Human or other Elephant or even another species of animals. After more than 30 year, I hope he live full of happiness to the end of his live.

[sunilramakrishnagandati]

There are many kavaans out there in this brutal world, We need more DR Amirs here.

[horsecrazyky]

This man is so clearly something extraordinary and special. It’s almost like he has light coming from him. What a beautiful elephant and a beautiful human! We should all follow his lead. Bless his heart.

[asanthabandara]

Elephants are smart. I'm a sri lankan buddhist and its said when the buddha was meditating in forests it were elephants who brought him food. I'm happy that he will be relocated. Have a happy life kavaan

[mane]

the vets smile can clearly tell you how wholesome he is to work with the elly, thanks doc you are a gem, love from India

[MissesWitch]

I'm happy Dr was there for him when he was alone. That REALLY makes a difference to his health! <3 He clearly needed companionship, Even if it wasn't from another elephant it makes a huge difference! <3

[maraclausum]

This man is so beautiful! he should open his own animal sanctuary! And he will by his beautiful and empathic personality get many people supporting him.. I am sure of this! Kaavan trusted him because he felt his beautiful soul.

[Overlordvoldermort]

This is so bittersweet. Blessing to the whole team and I’m so glad that kavaan is in a better environment now. I hope that the vet can work with him soon again

[kookiescream]

I remember watching his journey from Sri Lanka to Pakistan and then going to combodia for his forever home. I remember i saw his whole journey i watched every update four paws international gave on its ig. It was sad to see kaavan struggling n living alone for so long. And now he is finally home in safe place. I remember not just the people in Pakistan helped and supported but the whole world came forward to help. I am so happy to look back again at this beautiful journey. thanks to the four paws team, the zoo keeper, the Pakistan Court, the people who helped, the media who covered the whole news properly and patiently ♥🐘💚

[melomelodie]

That doctor is an angel on earth!! I'm so glad Kaavan is doing better now. Elephants are such precious creatures. 💖