Kaavan the world’s loneliest elephant makes new friends in his new Cambodian jungle

The elephant once dubbed ‘the world’s loneliest’ is now back making friends and ‘living the life he deserves’ a year after he was rescued from captivity.

Kaavan the elephant is now thriving in the Cambodian jungle a year after he was rescued from a Pakistani Zoo, Dr Amir Khalil, of the global animal welfare organisation Four Paws has said.

The Asian elephant previously spent 35 years in captivity, and since his partner’s death in 2012, he has spent the past eight years alone.

However, one year on from his rescue, he is flourishing in his new home at Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary and living an elephant-worthy life.

Kaavan the elephant is now thriving in the Cambodian jungle a year after he was rescued from a Pakistani Zoo, experts from the global animal welfare organisation Four Paws have said

Though not yet socialised with other elephants, Kaavan has been able to interact with those in neighbouring enclosures, allow for the elephants to get used to each other’s smell and touch each other’s trunks, a friendly gesture

One year on from his rescue, Kaavan is said to be flourishing in his new home at Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary and living an elephant-worthy life

Since Kavaan’s rescue, the Islamabad High Court announced a ban on the import of new elephants into the country. Pictured: Kaavan in Marghazar Zoo, Islamabad, Pakistan

The plight of Kaavan (pictured here in 2016 at a zoo in Islamabad) galvanised a rare animal rights campaign in Pakistan to have him rescued

Dr Amir, a Four Paws veterinarian, said: ‘He has rediscovered his natural instincts and can enjoy having other elephants around.

‘Kaavan is living the life he deserves. I’m looking forward to visiting him as soon as possible to see for myself what a difference the last year made.

‘While Kaavan has not yet been socialised with other elephants, the team at CWS continues to monitor his development and will determine if he becomes interested in having a companion.

‘Until then, neighbouring enclosures allow for the elephants to get used to each other’s smell and touch each other’s trunks, a friendly gesture.

’35 years in captivity causes a lot of trauma but Kaavan is making great progress, roaming around his spacious jungle enclosure and enjoying baths in his pond.

Kaavan, an Asian elephant, previously spent 35 years in captivity, and since his partner’s death in 2012, he has spent the past eight years alone. Pictured in Marghazar Zoo, Islamabad in Pakistan

Pictured: Kaavan, dubbed the world’s loneliest elephant, in Marghazar Zoo, Islamabad, Pakistan before he was rescued

Dr Amir, a Four Paws veterinarian, said: ‘Kaavan is living the life he deserves. I’m looking forward to visiting him as soon as possible to see for myself what a difference the last year made’ Pictured: Kaavan is seen collecting branches

The Asian elephant previously spent 35 years in captivity, and since his partner’s death in 2012, he has spent the past eight years alone. Pictured: Kaavan shortly after being moved to Cambodia

Kaavan was transported from Pakistan to Siem Reap by plane and the team had to use creative techniques to ensure the process was stress-free for the elephant. Pictured: Kaavan in his enclosure at Wildlife Sanctuary Cambodia

American music icon Cher holds a license plate with her and Kaavan’s names on it as she waits for his arrival in Cambodia on November 30

‘Back in the zoo in Pakistan, he was showing severe behavioural problems, shaking his head and pacing back and forth in the dreary enclosure.’

Kaavan was transported from Pakistan to Siem Reap by plane and the team had to use creative techniques to ensure the process was stress-free for the elephant.

Since Kavaan’s rescue, the Islamabad High Court announced a ban on the import of new elephants into the country.

Dr Amir said: ‘Kaavan’s rescue was an extraordinary experience.

‘We transferred an elephant from Pakistan to Cambodia during a global pandemic, together with Cher, who helped with the rescue alongside the organisation and national authorities.

‘I’m proud we were part of this truly unique story.’