In addition to Kaavan, other animals enduring substandard conditions within the zoo were also a concern. The Islamabad Wildlife Management Board engaged Four Paws, an animal welfare organization, to facilitate the safe relocation of these remaining animals to improved environments. Unfortunately, not all of them could be rescued in time. According to a statement by Four Paws spokesperson Martin Bauer, as reported by USA Today Sun:
“Regrettably, the rescue efforts arrived too late for two lions that perished during a relocation attempt in late July, triggered by local animal handlers setting fire to their enclosure to coerce them into transport crates.”
Subsequent safety precautions were implemented to ensure Kaavan’s secure transfer. These included a comprehensive medical evaluation by a team of wildlife veterinarians and experts to verify his fitness for the journey. Despite indications of malnutrition, the examination conducted on Friday revealed that Kaavan is overweight. Moreover, years of confinement in an enclosure with unsuitable flooring have caused his feet and nails to suffer, resulting in overgrown and cracked nails. However, the overall assessment was positive, as stated by Bauer:
“Following the examination’s confirmation of Kaavan’s strength, preparations will proceed to finalize his relocation to a potential animal sanctuary, likely in Cambodia.”
While Kaavan may be on the path to recovery, his scars from years of neglect extend beyond physical ailments to psychological distress. Battling behavioral challenges, Bauer emphasized that Kaavan “has developed stereotypical behavior, often swaying his head for hours. This is primarily a consequence of sheer boredom,” as mentioned in the USA Today Sun report. The elephant’s solitude arises not only from the harsh conditions he endured but also from the loss of his partner in 2012, a contributing factor to his overall well-being, according to Bauer
