The World’s ‘Loneliest Elephant’ Finally Meets Another Elephant

In a completely heart-melting scene, Kaavan – dubbed the “world’s loneliest elephant,” finally shares a tender moment with another one of his kind, for the first time in over eight years! Kaavan’s story is one of the most heartbreaking in the animal kingdom. 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.

Kaavan meets another elephant for the first time in years once he arrives. 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. “Kaavan will finally have the chance to live a species-appropriate and peaceful life. He has a very bright future ahead of him.”

Kaavan’s past was very difficult. The 36-year-old elephant spent around 35 years of his life in chains at the Maraghazar Zoo in Islamabad, Pakistan. 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 wee, 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.

🐘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

“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.