‘Kaavan’ unchained at Marghazar Zoo

Islamabad

The Maraghzar Zoo administration finally decided to unchain 'Kaavan', an elephant, that was kept in solitary confinement and deplorable condition after the death of his long-term companion 'Saheli' -- a female elephant gifted by the government of Bangladesh to Pakistan in May 2012.

The issue of solitary confinement was raised by Mark Cowne, an agent for renowned US musician and actress Cher, who launched an online petition after which thousands of animal lovers from across the world signed it demanding the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to unchain and free 'Kaavan' that was being kept in a deplorable condition.

Mark Cowne on his twitter account stated “Excellent meeting at Islamabad zoo with officials, staff and 'Kaavan'. Delighted to report 'Kaavan' free of his chains.”

In his video message, he said "'Kaavan' has water and he has the shade and from here we are going to have a chat with the director to negotiate his release or certainly something better for 'Kaavan' at the moment.” 

It is pertinent to mention here that PTI Senator Samina Abid also raised the issue of solitary confinement of 'Kaavan' at Islamabad zoo in the upper house of the parliament.

During the senate session, the PTI senator called for unchaining 'Kaavan' and said that the elephant had been kept in a deplorable condition in the zoo.

However, Jalal, a caretaker of the elephant, said that 'Kaavan' has been properly taken care of and that a female mate for him would be brought to the zoo on July 1.