The ‘World’s Loneliest Elephant’ All Set to Leave Pakistan for a New Life in Cambodia

Kaavan, the "world's loneliest elephant" waiting to be transported to a sanctuary in Cambodia, is seen beside a crate during a farewell ceremony at the Marghazar Zoo in Islamabad, Pakistan on Nov. 23, 2020. Saiyna Bashir/REUTERS

ISLAMABAD—Officials and well-wishers gathered at Islamabad Zoo on Nov. 23 for a farewell party for Pakistan’s lonely elephant Kaavan before he sets off for a new life in Cambodia this week.

After years of campaigning by animal rights advocates and pop star Cher to rescue him from grim conditions with no companion, Kaavan was finally set to be airlifted to an elephant sanctuary on Sunday.