The touching moment world’s ‘loneliest elephant’ finally meets another elephant
Kaavan’s story is one of the saddest in the animal world. However, after decades of suffering it all comes to an end as on Monday, the Sri Lankan elephant was moved to the Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary in Siem Reap.
Once he got there, Kaavan meets another elephant for the first time in years. Some extremely touching footages and photos show the massive mammals tenderly reaching their trunks through their enclosures.
What a lovely greeting for Kaavan after all he had been through during his life!
“First contact with an elephant in eight years – this is a huge moment for Kaavan,” said Martin Bauer, a spokesman of the animal welfare group that made the elephant’s relocation possible.
#FreeKaavan 🐘: First contact in 8 years!
— FOUR PAWS (@fourpawsint) December 1, 2020
We can now officially call him the "former loneliest elephant in the world"! Seeing Kaavan interacting with other elephants is a huge moment for us but more importantly for Kaavan. 💕We are extremely moved! pic.twitter.com/x5k60XTORP
“Kaavan will finally have the chance to live a species-appropriate and peaceful life. He has a very bright future ahead of him.”
Mistreated and neglected, Kaavan’s only consolation all those years was Shaheli, his companion.
But unfortunately, she passed away eight years ago and Kaavan was alone since.
His salvation came last year after a campaign, started in 2016, made waves all over the world. Animal welfare, charities, activists and even got involved to set Kaavan free.
Fortunately, their efforts eventually paid off!
Earlier this week, the ‘world’s loneliest elephant’ has finally arrived in a much more better and peaceful place, after a ten hours flight and military escort. After a short rehabilitation period, Kaavan will be released to a wildlife sanctuary. Kaavan finally have the chance to live a peaceful live among others of his kind.
“Once Kaavan feels at home in a controlled setting, he will be released in a wildlife sanctuary, in Oddar Meanchey province, in the northern section of Cambodia, where some 600 Asian elephants live in peace and tranquillity,” a spokesperson of the Cambodian Environment Ministry said in a statement.
🐘Kaavan's journey to freedom from captivity in Islamabad to Cambodia will be a 2021 @SmithsonianChan documentary ❤️ Help us build Kaavan's forever home 🏡 https://t.co/dzdl4Ew4gn 🙏🏻@ftwglobal #KaavansJourney pic.twitter.com/iTxdzfndNB
— Cher (@cher) November 27, 2020
THIS IS ONE OF THE GREATEST MOMENTS OF MY LIFE.
— Cher (@cher) May 21, 2020
CANT STOP😭,🥰,BEING SICK 2 MY STOMACH.(Ate🎂in The night & Was SOOOO Sick,Still am.Can you O.D from too much🎂)⁉️
BUT🐘KAAVAN IS FREE🙏🏻
😭DOWN MY CHEEKS,BUT HES FREE,& @markcowne 🕊DID IT🙌🏻.GINA,👑JEN👑👏🏻