Heartwarming footage shows an elephant dubbed the ‘world’s loneliest’ touching trunks with another elephant for the first time in almost a decade.
Kaavan spent eight years alone in Marghazar Zoo in Islamabad, Pakistan after his partner Saheli died in 2012.
He was left without a home when the zoo was recently forced to close after falling on hard times and being left in a poor condition.
The plight of the 36-year-old elephant – who was diagnosed as overweight and malnourished by veterinarians – provoked outrage from animal rights groups and a legal campaign from legendary singer Cher.
Following years of isolation, he is now surrounded by his own species after finding a new home at the Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary in Siem Reap province.
A video shows the 9,000lb animal enjoying a refreshing mud bath before being welcomed his new neighbour Di Poh who touched trunks with him.
A staff member named Pedro said the sanctuary’s female elephants were feeling a little overwhelmed by his arrival.
He said: ‘All three of our ladies seem a bit intimidated by him, he is a big boy. We will give them time to get to know each other, and the girls will let us know if or when they want further interaction.’
Kaavan, who spent 35 years in Marghazar Zoo without proper socialisation, is one of few adult elephants to be relocated by plane.
He took a Covid-19 test before boarding a 10-hour flight to Cambodia and taking a further five-hour journey in a truck to Siem Reap.
A spokesman for the Environment Ministry said: 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.’
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