Cher in Pakistan to send off elephant she worked to free

 

Kaavan, an elephant waiting to be transported to a sanctuary in Cambodia, is seen beside a crate during a farewell ceremony at the Marghazar Zoo in Islamabad, Pakistan November 23, 2020. REUTERS/Saiyna Bashir

 

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - American singer Cher arrived in Pakistan to send off Kaavan, the elephant she has spent years trying to free, before he is moved to a sanctuary in Cambodia on Sunday.

 

The 36-year-old Asian elephant has spent most of his life in Islamabad Zoo, much of that time without a companion, and animal rights advocates have campaigned for him to be rescued from grim conditions.

 

Cher tweeted her thanks after meeting Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday "For Making It Possible For Me To Take Kaavan To Cambodia".

 

A statement from the prime minister's office said former cricket star Khan had thanked Cher and invited her to participate further in environmental initiatives in Pakistan.

 

Kaavan will be airlifted to the Cambodian province of Siem Reap. He has been training with international specialists from rescue organisation Four Paws, armed with bananas and other treats to get him used to the small enclosure and loud noises of the 10-hour flight.

 

Wellwishers in Pakistan, including President Arif Alvi, have been saying goodbye to Kaavan this week.

 

(Reporting by Charlotte Greenfield in Islamabad; Editing by Janet Lawrence)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2020-11-28

 

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Wow, she's put on a bit of weight!

Is this wise? Moving an old tree is often not without consequences ...

meanwhile thousands of PK children can't afford to go to school - could they be airlifted to Cambodia too? 

1 hour ago, jaf3 said:

meanwhile thousands of PK children can't afford to go to school - could they be airlifted to Cambodia too? 

Well, they could, but then there would just be thousands of Pakistani kids in Cambodia who couldn't afford to go school.   

 

But hey, let's not give anyone credit for helping a creature that is suffering.   

 

Such a shame that animals world wide are so badly treated. Good for her for trying to help Kaavan. 

21 hours ago, faraday said:

Wow, she's put on a bit of weight!

That's her daughter (son).

 

11 hours ago, Credo said:

Well, they could, but then there would just be thousands of Pakistani kids in Cambodia who couldn't afford to go school.   

 

But hey, let's not give anyone credit for helping a creature that is suffering.   

 

There a few animals suffering in Thailand. They could do with some help from compassionate TVF posters.

23 hours ago, rooster59 said:

The 36-year-old Asian elephant has spent most of his life in Islamabad Zoo, much of that time without a companion, and animal rights advocates have campaigned for him to be rescued from grim conditions

Unless he was chained to a tree the whole time he's doing better than one that was kept chained to a tree for years at a temple in Thailand that I read about years ago.

 

Near where I live there is a horse that has been living alone for years. I feel sorry for it not having another horse to be with but where do we draw the line, so long as the animal isn't being tortured? So much hurt in the world.

59 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

There a few animals suffering in Thailand. They could do with some help from compassionate TVF posters.

Taking care for some sick buffalo's and even sicker owners already.

11 hours ago, thaibeachlovers said:

There a few animals suffering in Thailand. They could do with some help from compassionate TVF posters.

There are a couple of excellent organizations/foundations that care for elephants in Thailand. They certainly would welcome your financial support.  http://facebook.com/SaveElephantFoundation/