Cher has helped transport the “world’s loneliest elephant” to a new home.
Cher
The 74-year-old singer has travelled to Pakistan to help celebrate the decision to move an elephant named Kaavan from his home in a Pakistan zoo to a new, improved location in Cambodia, following years of lobbying by animal rights groups and activists.
Kaavan is known as the “world’s loneliest elephant” because he lost his partner in 2012, and activists have been campaigning to have the animal moved after concerns were raised about the conditions of his home.
The elephant has lived at the zoo for 35 years, and was diagnosed by veterinarians as both overweight and malnourished, and also suffers behavioural issues due to his isolation.
Cher’s visit to Pakistan to see Kaavan was not made public due to concerns over security, but she took to Twitter on Friday (27.11.20) after meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan to discuss the elephant’s removal.
She wrote: “Just Came From Meeting To Thank Prime Minister Imran Kahn For Making It Possible For Me To Take Kaavan To Cambodia. Kaavan Will Be Able To Leave For Cambodia On The 29. Think Documentary Will Be Heartwarming (sic)”
Kaavan will be moved to a dedicated elephant sanctuary in Cambodia next week, thanks to the animal rescue team at Four Paws, including veterinarian Dr. Amil Khalil, who has been overseeing Kaavan’s medical treatment.
And the vet praised Cher for her humanitarian efforts, as he believes celebrities using their platform to promote worthy causes is “crucial”.
He said in a statement: “Celebrities lending their voices to good causes are always welcomed, as they help starting public discourse and raising pressure on responsible authorities.
“Around the globe there are animal lovers, famous and not famous, and the support of every single one of them is crucial.”
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