An elephant who has been living in the same zoo for 35 years has come one step closer to rescue.
Kaavan, dubbed the 'world's loneliest elephant' has been in the Marghazar Zoo in Islamabad for over three decades, but has now been given the green light to be relocated to an animal sanctuary.
Kaavan arrived at the zoo in 1985, and from 1990 onwards he shared his enclosure with partner elephant, Saheli. Sadly, Saheli passed away in 2012 and for the last eight years Kaavan has lived a lonely existence.
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When the Marghazar Zoo was ordered to close in May this year, Kaavan was required to undergo a medical examination to ensure he wouldn't be at risk while being relocated to a sanctuary, potentially in Cambodia.
"Due to malnutrition and lack of physical exercise Kaavan shows visible signs of obesity. Also, his nails are cracked and malformed which can be attributed to the inappropriate flooring and structure of his enclosure," said Dr Amir Khalil, vet and mission leader at welfare organisation, Four Paws.
"To solve this issue, he needs to go through a long-term foot care program, which cannot be performed in Marghazar Zoo."
The organisation have been invited by the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB), to support the relocation of animals formerly living at the zoo.
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And last week, they confirmed that following medical checks, Kaavan is well enough to be located!
Dr Frank Göritz, head vet at the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research in Berlin, added: "A lack of physical and behavioural enrichments as well as the absence of a partner, have resulted in Kaavan becoming incredibly bored.
"He has already developed stereotypical behaviour where he swooshes his head and trunk from side to side for hours. Overall, the results from his blood tests are good and his general health condition allows him to be relocated."
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Steps are now going to be taken to finalise Kaavan's relocation. Alongside Kaavan, Four Paws is also supporting the relocation of two bears, who were also being kept in Marghazar Zoo.
Their medical exams are due to take place this weekend - we've got everything crossed these beautiful animals make it to their new homes safely!
Featured Image Credit: PA