"Other groups took up Kaavan's cause. Animal
rights activists posted videos on social media.
One group started a petition demanding
that Kaavan be released. More than four
hundred thousand people signed the petition.
Cher, an American entertainer and activist,
learned about Kaavan. She and her organization,
Free the Wild, joined the efforts to have Kaavan
released from the zoo."
The first time I remember hearing anything about Kaavan was when news broke that Cher had taken up his cause. Her advocacy for the lonely elephant focused unprecedented attention on his plight. Kaavan had been kept chained in a zoo for 35 years. His companion female, Saheli, had been with him for 22 of those years. Following her death, Kaavan grieved in continued isolation. It's hard to fathom such a thing.
More than 400,00 concerned world citizens signed a petition to have him freed. One such person, an Egyptian vet named Dr. Amir Khalil, visited him. He found the elephant in terrible shape. He was depressed, unhealthy, and very aggressive. He wanted the Pakistani government to arrange a move to a place where Kaavan would get the care he badly needed.
In 2020, the zoo was closed and its animals relocated. Dr. Khalil was given the task of finding a place for Kaavan. The Kulen Wildlife Sanctuary in Cambodia was his choice. Next, he needed to find a way to ensure a safe transfer. It was an endlessly long trip for an elephant whose temperament was not yet conducive to being near anyone, and certainly not for travel.
Dr. Khalil worked tirelessly to win the elephant's heart. He spent time with him singing Frank Sinatra songs, fed him healthy food, and helped to raise money for a crate to transfer a nine-thousand-pound elephant and to pay for the unprecedented transport costs. Once on board the plane, Dr. Khalil traveled with Kaavan, singing songs of comfort and reassurance.
"On November 30, 2020, Kaavan took his first
steps into the Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary.
Now he had plenty of room to roam and play.
And he had three female elephants
as neighbors."
Life continues to be good for him!
Naoko Stoop's illustrations are full of emotion. Using gouache and acrylic on wood, she captures Kaavan's pain in poignant scenes. The endpapers are wonderful. Textural and telling, readers will embrace this special story of compassion, and the satisfaction that comes from making a difference.
End matter includes archival photographs and an author's note, as well as a list of sources.
A Smithsonian Channel documentary chronicles Kaavan's story should you have access to it.
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