CHER, THE POP STAR AND KAAVAN, THE LONELY ELEPHANT IN PAKISTAN

 

      CHER, THE POP STAR AND KAAVAN, THE LONELY ELEPHANT

Cher (Cherilyn Sarkisian) is an American singer, Oscar-winning actress and television personality.  In 2018, Matthew Hawkins wrote in the McGill Tribune about her “electrifying energy” in the song “Dancing Queen.”

That was then, this is now. On Sunday November 29, 2020 Cher said, “My wishes have finally come true.” What wishes? Another pop hit? A television variety show, perhaps?

Oh No! Her five year campaign to help “an overweight Asian bull elephant” who spent 35 years in “a barren substandard zoo enclosure” in Pakistan was finally successful.

Let us look back to see how this all happened. On September 27, 2017, an article “Cher and her Free the Wild Foundation Advocate to save Kaavan the lonely elephant from Marghzar Zoo” written by Lauren Lewis appeared in WAN (World Animal News).

It said in part, “Cher is heralded for many things including her incredible voice. Yesterday, however, it was her strength, perseverance and commitment that took center stage.”

Cher has offered to fundraise to move the elephant from the Marghzar Zoo in Islamabad to The Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary. She had hired a legal team “to get the animal’s freedom.” She was incredibly happy when the order was granted in May this year.  

It took (a long) time and a great deal of patience. Kaavan became a cause celebre for animal rights activists around the world.

On September 6, 2020, CTV news reported that a spokesman for Four Paws (the international animal welfare organization) said the animal had been given medical approval to travel to Cambodia where he will find companionship and better conditions. Companionship? Yes! Kaavan had been living alone for a long time.

The conditions at the zoo in Pakistan were described as abysmal due to systemic negligence. In addition, Kaavan was alone ever since his partner, Saheli, died in 2012.

“Wildlife experts say elephants are cognitively sophisticated and sentient, almost like humans. They have similar emotions forming strong family bonds. They also mourn their dead.” M Ilyas Khan wrote on the BBC News Islamabad website.

On Friday, the elephant underwent a full medical examination.

Then it was time to go. Cher had spent “recent days at the Islamabad zoo to provide moral support for the 36 year old elephant.”

He seems to have enjoyed the journey (in a large crate) by plane. He arrived safely at Siem Reap airport. Buddhist monks blessed him when he arrived. The Deputy Environment Minister said, “the country was pleased to welcome Kaavan.” The plan is to breed Kaavan with local elephants “to conserve the genetic fold.”

Kaavan is beginning a new life. At last.