Cher to visit Pakistan to meet 'world's loneliest elephant' as he is finally relocated

The singer has been a vocal advocate for Kaavan's release for many years

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  A singer performs during a farewell ceremony for Kaavan after 35 years at Marghazar Zoo in Islamabad, Pakistan. Reuters

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  Kaavan has been deemed as the 'world's loneliest elephant'

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  A caretaker feeds Kaavan during a farewell ceremony at the Marghazar Zoo in Islamabad, Pakistan. Reuters

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  Animal rights campaigners have fought for Kaavan's release since 2016. Reuters

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  Singer Cher has been a vocal advocate for Kaavan's release. Reuters

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  People visit Kaavan during a farewell ceremony at Maragzar zoo in Islamabad, Pakistan. EPA

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  Cher is en route to Pakistan to meet Kaavan before he is transported to Cambodia. EPA

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  Balloons and a banner are put up to celebrate Kaavan's release after 35 years. EPA

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  Kaavan is waiting to be transported to a sanctuary in Cambodia. Reuters

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  Dr. Amir Khalil, a veterinary from the international animal welfare organisation Four Paws comforts Kaavan during his examination at the Maragzar Zoo in Islamabad, Pakistan. AP Photo

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  Vets say Kaavan has some behavioural issues after 35 years in poor living conditions. EPA

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  Kaavan will be supported by vets and Four Paws after his move to Cambodia. EPA

Cher is set to visit Pakistan this weekend to celebrate the departure of Kaavan, dubbed the “world’s loneliest elephant,” who will soon leave a zoo for better conditions after years of lobbying by animal rights groups and activists.

Cher's schedule has not been made public due to security concerns but “she is on her way,” said Martin Bauer of Four Paws International, the Vienna-based animal welfare group that has led the charge to save Kaavan.

The elephant has languished in the Pakistan zoo for more than 35 years, and in 2012 lost his partner. Earlier this year, he was diagnosed by veterinarians as both overweight and malnourished, and he 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 advocating for his resettlement, the battle for which began in 2016. Four Paws, which often carries out animal rescue missions, has provided the medical treatment needed before Kaavan can travel.

“Thanks to Cher, but also local Pakistani activists, Kaavan’s fate made headlines around the world, and this contributed to the facilitation of his transfer,” Bauer said on Friday.

Even after he’s in Cambodia, he’ll require years of physical and even psychological assistance, Bauer said.

Because of the abysmal living conditions blamed on systemic negligence, Pakistan's high court in May ordered the closure of Marghazar Zoo in the capital of Islamabad, where Kaavan has lived for much of his life.

At the time, Cher described the decision as “one of the greatest moments of my life”.

A medical examination in September showed Kaavan's nails were cracked and overgrown — the result of years of living in an improper enclosure with flooring that damaged his feet.

The elephant has also developed stereotypical behaviour, shaking his head back and forth for hours, which the medical team of wildlife veterinarians and experts blamed on his utter boredom.

For the past three months, a Four Paws team including veterinarian Dr. Amil Khalil and the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board has been readying Kaavan to leave. Members of the welfare group will also accompany him to the sanctuary.

Bauer lauded the powerful impact celebrity voices can have for animal rights.

“Celebrities lending their voices to good causes are always welcomed, as they help [in] starting public discourse and raising pressure on responsible authorities,” he said.

“Around the globe there are animal lovers, famous and not famous, and the support of every single one of them is crucial," he added.