“The elephant behaves like a person or a frequent flyer,” a veterinarian commented when talking about Kaavan, the loneliest elephant in the world, who was transferred from Pakistan to Cambodia. American singer Cher greeted this elephant.

The world’s loneliest elephant arrived at his new home in Cambodia –

Pop singer Cher (wearing white) was delighted as elephant Kaavan was brought to his new home at the Kulen Prom Tep wildlife sanctuary in Oddar Meanchey province on November 30th. Earlier that day, Cher welcomed the elephant as it completed its flight from Pakistan to Siem Reap province, Cambodia – Photo: AFP

The AP news agency reported that Kaavan, the loneliest elephant in the world, finally arrived in Cambodia on November 30th after many years of solitary life in a zoo in Pakistan. He was immediately taken to a wildlife sanctuary with around 600 other elephants.

Before being flown to Cambodia, the elephant had to undergo a COVID-19 test. After a 7-hour long journey, he was provided with about 180kg of food.

“The elephant behaves like a person or a frequent flyer. The flight went smoothly, and that’s what you need when transporting an elephant… Kaavan ate, took a little nap, and wasn’t stressed,” shared Amir Khalil, a veterinarian overseeing the elephant.

Sri Lanka gifted Kaavan to Pakistan in 1985, and he lived in the Marghazar zoo in the capital, Islamabad. However, this 36-year-old male elephant endured eight years of solitude after his only companion, Saheli, died in 2012.

The world’s loneliest elephant arrives at his new home in Cambodia

Kaavan at the Marghazar zoo in the capital, Islamabad, Pakistan, before being transferred to Cambodia – Photo: Dharti News

Conditions at this zoo had become so dire that a court in Pakistan’s capital ordered its closure in August.

Kaavan’s plight caught the attention of many worldwide, including American singer and actress Cher. She was present in Cambodia to welcome Kaavan on November 30th.

Cher’s animal welfare group, “Free the Wild,” collaborated with others to move Kaavan to Cambodia, a mission that cost around $400,000.

The Oscar-winning singer was at Siem Reap airport to wave and welcome the elephant as the plane landed on the evening of November 30th. “I am so proud Kaavan is here. The elephant will be truly happy here,” Kaavan shared with AFP.

According to Four Paws, an animal rescue group based in Vienna involved in Kaavan’s transport from Pakistan, very few adult elephants have ever been transported by plane, with the preparation being evaluated as challenging.