'Happy to be where he is': Kaavan the elephant's new lease on life in Cambodian sanctuary

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Once known as the world's loneliest elephant, Kaavan, a 37-year-old Asian elephant, has been given a new lease on life. Kaavan's story made international headlines after a campaign was started to free him from the Marghazar Zoo in Islamabad, Pakistan, where he had lived for more than three decades. Many of those years were spent in chains, as zoo staff did not know how to care for or control Kaavan. After a six-year campaign, Kaavan was freed and relocated to the Cambodia WildlIfe Sanctuary in November 2020. Now, more than a year since his arrival, Kaavan is roaming freely in a 30-acre (12ha) enclosure and has developed a bond with his new caretaker Pedro Vella and Mut, his mahout.
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[@secretariatgirl4249]

I am so proud that my name is on a post...a big donation, but worth it to me!

[@lynnhoffman247]

Mine is, too! Worth every dollar. 👋🏼🐘❤️

[@deenibeeniable]

Cher doesn't get mentioned a lot, probably because she is humble about it. But she footed a big chunk of the bill for his rescue. Great respect for her for doing that.

[@Krisp138]

Rich people should be doing that. Shes all over the documentry on it dont worry. They had to play her music and all.

[@chiragmehta8212]

@@Krisp138why you gotta be so negative. Wo her help this wouldn’t have happened.

[@patriciagranger9707]

I have been wondering the same and where is Darrick and his wife anymore and Kaavan going to have one of the 3 females for a partner. I wonder if that has gone to the roadside and he will be kept alone from his kind. Not fair

[@deenibeeniable]

@@patriciagranger9707 Do not worry. Kaavan will have a wonderful life in the new sanctuary. All rescued elephants are kept isolated for a short time, or for as long as they need to acclimate to their new surroundings & be treated for their many health problems. Also it would be dangerous to just stick him in with other elephants right away, so they get used to each other through a fence first. It can take awhile.

[@patriciagranger9707]

@@deenibeeniable So nice of you to write back, but hasn't it felt long enough since he had been in Cambodia and the place Darrick built for him, and it has been way over a year now! But thanks. Kind of you!

[@junepearl7993]

I followed his story for years and seeing him rescued and brought to his new home has been a joy. He is everything an elephant should be. Empty the cages. Empty the tanks. Bring them all to sanctuary.

[@aisadal2521]

I'm so glad he finally got released! Major kudos to Cher and everybody else involved with this epic rescue 😊

[@chewy8505]

Agree 1000% & we must share the Mother Earth happily with all living things

[@hipsYT]

Cher wants to have transmission with Kaavan, she rescued him and built much of the sanctuary in addition to spending money for him for YEARS! why don't you let her see it?

[@marybarratt2649]

Thank you Pedro for all that you do. Kaavan has had a traumatic life until Cambodia. Bless all who laboured to get him to this secure location where he can live a relatively normal life. What a dreadful thing to live in dire circumstances like that for 35 years. I’ve followed his story from the beginning. He is a lovely boy.

[@PayalSingh-dp9pd]

Half of his life kaavan spend in captivity like a prisoner of war ..

[@MsMyra22]

Yes empty the cages. I grew up in Pakistan, my heart ached deeply to see the majority of people so very cruel to animals, Dog, donkeys, camels, & zoo animals. Thank you for doing what you do.

[@hellok7877]

😨😨

[@nailaaltaf6383]

Ya people here r cruel

[@chiragmehta8212]

Ty for caring for animals.

[@pritu365]

Why Pakistani people are cruel for animals?

[@suelittle253]

I understand people's desire to meet an elephant up close, but over the course of many years following abused elephants, I feel they deserve privacy other than the people directly involved in their day to day care. They need that sense of safety to really heal. Love Kavaan! He's doing great!

[@mpandunky]

I've been following Kaavan's story for a while now, and it's a very heartwarming one. It's driven me personally to support a number of elephant conservation efforts in my own country.

[@private-jet-rental]

Indeed. Me, too. Bless you, friend.❤🐘

[@NavigatorMother]

🙏🏻🕊🌎🫶🏼🫶🏾💐❤️‍🩹🪷🐋🇦🇺🐘🦥🪺

[@farazhashmi54]

I am very happy you took from my country. Thanks for great job

[@sierracurtis4789]

It brings tears of joy , I am so happy it’s beautiful to see how our donations are changing the world and lives for our precious animal brothers and sisters Thank you ❤️❤️

[@ctaylorluce]

I didn't want this video to end! I have been following Kaavan for a couple of years and miss the daily updates. Glad to know that he's doing well.

[@pattyandersen5516]

I’m so happy for him. I wonder how he feels each morning when they wake up and realize where he is. ❤️

[@stephaniet1022]

Peaceful

[@meenakasim1643]

" Empty the cages" ....a beautiful logo to free all caged animals especially the abused elephants👌🐘🐘.....no matter how long the process all caged and chained elephants are meant to lead a free life and not to work for some horrible and cruel human

[@sonja437]

How peaceful he looks. Thank you to all who helped in his rescue and to those who care for him.

[@Spacey7]

Thank you Four Paws, Darrick, Pedro & Mut. I have followed Kaavans story from the start & helped when I've been able to. I still end up in tears watching this lovely boy find his happiness. Thank you so much for all you do Dr Amir & all. 🐘👏💕🐘💕🐘👏🐘✌️🐘

[@spacecowgurl57]

Such angels that exist walking around everywhere 😍

[@la_us195]

Oh this is our sri lankan 🇱🇰 kaavan 🥺🥺 Nice see him again ♥️♥️

[@lynngill9557]

His eyes are beautiful Thank you for giving him security and contentment

[@SHDolores]

❤❤❤to you the mahout and All who made this happen and keeps it going.

[@Sumudu1990]

Thanks for this video…We pray you Kaavan…❤️

[@13juju]

PERFECT STORY, Please Show More Of How He Is Doing

[@traceybee1409]

I never realised Pedro was an Aussie 🥰🥰

[@carle8608]

Yes, empty the cages! So nice to see Kaavan in this environment.

[@mittus1934]

Absolutely heartwarming to watch this video and watch Kaavan's transformation. Thank you Perdro Vella, Mut and everyone involved in giving Kaavan a better life ❤

[@kellyprice1024]

I'm glad you did this video Pedro. Someone asked on a Kaavan progress video if you and the Mahmood were safe around Kaavan. You proved here you are. Wow 2 years has gone by. Kaavan help me over the lockdowns and job losses. I thank him from my 💗. 🌸🇨🇦

[@karenmccants1439]

This goes for ALL animals--including the ones raised in cruel, stressful situations just so people can eat meat and dairy products, etc...those animals are treated horribly. They matter as much as this beautiful elephant. 💖

[@tina-truchaisler5867]

I am glad to see Kaavan free

[@sebastien4908]

Elephants are incredibly intelligent animals

[@malinduperera7046]

happy to see kaavan's freedom ❤️.love from sri lanka

[@MoonmaidenNYC]

Thank you Pedro for caring for Kaavan & for your dedication & commitment to him !! Kaavn was sang to by Cher !! Wasn't he a lucky boy !! And, Darrick (Save Elephant Foundation - Chiang Mai Thailand) played a huge roll in making Kavaan comfortable at the Sanctuary... Darrick spent many many months in Cambodia with Kaavan... Lovely to see Kavaan enjoying his new FREE life... Thanx again Pedro for being there !! 💞 Vivi💞

[@claritadeluna6609]

I also like to thank the gentleman that took care of him at the zoo in pakistan. He used to sing to kaavan and hug and care for him. What was his name? He went all the way to cambodia to easy kaavan up since he knew nobody but him until that point. The entire group of ppl that made this possible; thank you. Than you all!

[@PayalSingh-dp9pd]

So many kaavan s out there need to be rescued..ppl r using them for domesticated purpose ..being used in temples ..chained all day long ..beaten starved

[@johnleaver7745]

Pedro.take care of yourself..THANK YOU! I have loved pretty much every Kaavan video I've seen..but this one was THE best! It's great to hear from you and see you hangin' with the K-Man!..giving us insight as to his daily life and hearing/seeing your loving relation with him..Loved it..Thank you and

[@sandrabriggs9538]

Awww sweet sweet Kavaan I have so missed watching him as the channel disappeared but have subscribed to this one👍👍. Lovely cake gosh can't believe it's a year since his forest home got finished He has such a very happy life thanks to all of you Angels made my day👍👍👌👌💜💜🌈🌈🐘🐘

[@kirtiudupa4539]

I was so happy after hearing about kaavan's story and that the doctor helped it and also that how nicely that the caretaker is taking care of kaavan but I was also shocked that how badly the elephant was taken care in Pakistan so that's why I am so happy that the elephant is happy

[@loritac1170]

Amazing update on Kaavan! thanks so for sharing his current livelihood and daily care. Kaavan knows you love him! Bless you and the caretakers for giving him his life back!

[@TheErika711]

I cannot express the emotions I've had tonight I watched the Documentary on Cher with Kaavans rescue I'm wiped out from the tears that poured watching - I wanted to get the latest update on Kaavan THANK YOU SIR 🙌 YOUR WORDS HERE ARE GOLD 🥇 AND THE CARE YOUR GIVING KAAVAN IS NOTHING SHORT OF PURE SELFLESS LOVE 💕🤗 IM GOING TO DO WHATEVER I CAN TO SUPPORT THE EFFORTS TO KEEP KAAVAN WELL CARED FOR my small donations will just be a drop in the bucket but the World needs to help we owe it to these animals that have suffered for decades.

[@blt4239]

All I can say is thank you for saving Kaavan.

[@ElsjeMassyn]

I am in awe watching Kaavan peaceful and happy. Thank you for looking after him.

[@sophaman9193]

Thanks for your video again on kaavan elephant update take care bye from milton Ontario Canada 🇨🇦

[@meatyourneighbor]

They both seem so peaceful

[@brightington7080]

Am so happy for kaavan..

[@nicolefischer5281]

He is not swaying back and forth anymore 😁

[@lynngreene1993]

I don't know who I love more? Kaavan or Pedro? Amazing watch of where he is and with whom ♡♡ Pedro your words rang so true & I am sharing this beautiful video for sure!!! Thank you and I look forward to more K & P updates ♡

[@sheilafox7500]

Thank you! So glad to see him happy... No Stress...he feels love... ❤️🐘❤️

[@violimo]

A Worldwide Movement. The change for the future is to see animals as sentient beings with a soul like us, and so should be treated accordingly. Every human should rescue or help rescue at least once in their lifetime. It's an act of kindness and grace and makes a person better as a human being. You can really feel the difference when you engage with helping rescues.

[@rebeccaleach2920]

I’m so glad the vet and Cher helped this elephant find a home from his lonely prision

[@maimiehendersonmcdade3941]

This is emotionally wonderful aswell

[@nivek5031]

Short Story: In the 70's I was in Namibia during a conflict period. As soldiers we were amazed to see a herd of 10 to 12 wild, African elephants enter our military base, with babies and calmly watch us going about our duties. After some time, we realised they spent almost every night, inside the base. One mother elephant hung around with her baby and even walked in between our tents, without disturbing anything. Even when we fired rifles, mortars & rockets, the herd stayed on. We thought that they felt safer with us than they did on the outside. A contributing factor may have been that we always moved around silently & spoke softly. 🙂

[@lele2795]

You make such a short story long 👍

[@nivek5031]

@@lele2795 😭

[@stephaniet1022]

Yes it does seem that they felt safer with you.

[@PatriceNarveza]

wow enjoy him and never stop loving him right. That's wonderful what you guys are doing🎆🎆🎆🎆🎆

[@radish848]

Kaavan my daily delight.🌺💖 GREAT to see Kaavan's friend Pedro, always caring for the most famous Elephant in the World.

[@chatrinekvinge813]

I saw the docu yesterday,and first i cried,,and then relieved❣️ Amazing

[@michaelangelo7511]

This is a year or so later and it is heartwarming to see his progress in becoming a free creature. He loves life and it pleases me so.

[@polliwogg8485]

Thankyou SO much for sharing his wonderful life- think of these rescued animals often- very greatful to see them restored🙏💞 A blessing to my day!

[@michellejane2668]

Kaavan looks so much healthier and happy . Well done to everyone who has helped Kaavan .

[@majadutrieux3569]

Just fantastic such an effort to achieve this goal😘

[@iihithereii]

Thanks for this video. It's if full of compassion and care to other beings on this planet. It's what we need a lot more of so humans can learn how to think and consider others, respect others, and respect nature. I appreciate this mans willingness to do and that's just where it begins.

[@Hands2HealNow]

Sweet to see this.

[@khp7425]

Kaavan is a sri lankan.greetings and blessings from sri lanka.

[@hindhussain7540]

Yes, they cruelly snatched him and forced Pakistan to take him

[@susanmorang2111]

❤🐘Love him!

[@vickiehawkins2447]

Thank you for everything 💓💓💓

[@margaridavelhinho1618]

Obrigada pelo que fizeram ao Kaavan. 💓

[@fionaforward3358]

Thankyou.Great that you are an Australian.What you said is so true.Nothing is better than making animals happy.

[@idt6359]

Yes! So rewarding to make an innocent animal happy. Give them a natural environment instead of a prison. Knowing they are happy is food for the soul.

[@shanmukhatalupula]

很高兴看到

[@commonsense31]

Anyone been to the Hamburg zoo. I must say it’s the most amazing and spacious zoo enclosures I have seen in my life. They are huge.

[@freerangegirl4457]

He really is the most beautiful elephant i have ever seen.

[@arianetinga8571]

Merci de faire la traduction on français .UN GRAND MERCI POUR AVOIR SAUVÉS LES ÉLÉPHANTS DE MALTRAITANCES EST DE TORTURES. Suisse

[@Rogersfunnyfarm]

♥️♥️♥️♥️❤️❤️❤️❤️keep doing what you are doing! They all deserve to be free from harm, abuse, and in a natural setting

[@marycanfield8654]

You are a wonderful man!

[@linda6987]

Well done you! Thank you for the rescue! ♥️🐘♥️

[@jalbu8330]

Wonderful 😊

[@allanvillaceran8156]

Thank you for the rescue

[@donnamoyer6330]

Dignity and respect for any* living thing! I'm so glad Kaavan is happy, content, and finally free! Kindness doesn't cost anything, whether it's a person or an animal. ❤

[@sarasalleh3442]

Even 3mths past this is the lastest news for me, thank you donnamoyer.😊

[@judydarwin4342]

💞🌹🌺We Love. Our Kaavan and Pedro and SaraiMia and DiPloh💖🐘💖

[@user-vu8ii8ce4e]

YOU ALL ARE AWESOME!! THANK YOU ❤❤❤ ALWAYS, Paula C ❤

[@susanbedard2295]

This brings serenity to my soul

[@JL-bx2uf]

Empty the cages!

[@sharonbaker7966]

It is such a relief to witness Kaavan’s journey to his sanctuary paradise & know he is happier than his experience in the Pakistan zoo. Just wondering if he has elephant companions because that would make Kaavan’s life completely fulfilled & worthwhile. Great job by your four paws team , very grateful for your efforts & determination, so thank you for helping beautiful Kaavan’s 💟☮️🌻 🐘

[@brendasays2324]

My dads dad would be 118 today if he was still alive. My dad’s family are from Laos, I love the stories my dad would tell us of when they were kids. He said they had a nice big farm with water buffalo, goats, ducks, chickens, and geese… when they would do their hunting in the jungle they would have a family of asian elephants trailing them. My dad is 65 now and I can only imagine through his stories of how friendly the elephants were to them. The south east asian countries love their elephants dearly. My dad has a tattoo of one on his chest. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@fastgurrrl]

Well done to every single person involved.

[@bgthtr6404]

Yesssss! Kavaan is happy now.

[@audreyriley5836]

Empty The Cages!

[@donnamaiorano7574]

Thank you do much for what you do. im a wild life member Im so glad to see this and that he has been saved Bless you and all who saves animals ❤❤❤

[@janajacoby3391]

What a beautiful and sweet boy he is! ❤ I am so happy he was finally freed! 🙏 Elephants are such gorgeous animals: Sweet, loving and very clever and beautiful! ❤🐘🥰 Thank you so much for helping these precious animals!❤🙏

[@hajra8971]

Nice to see him where he is... I feel sad for the animals we have in our zoo and we are not giving them life they need ....love from PAKISTAN 😕♥️

[@beatrixjansen6297]

Beautiful story of love and compassion . Elephants are very special,intelligent animals. Thank you for all you do to helpelephants and other animals. They deserve to be free.

[@susanhuntley9262]

Beautiful

[@SerenaLaturnas]

This is amazing! 🧡 We shouldn't be allowed to have zoo's they are so unethical. There should only be sanctuaries and rehabilitation centers for animals that have been abused, mistreated, sick or hurt/injured! #EmptyTheCages

[@suecash8186]

So loving to see,I just love them

[@cordv]

Awe he's so beautiful it's cute how he follows the workers. ❤❤❤❤❤Kaavan

[@handerson6910]

Thank you

[@DJ-tb4ni]

Empty the Cages; Empty the Zoo’s🙏🏽👱🏻‍♀️

[@adrienn116]

🥰happy for him Is he going to have partners too?

[@maroeundanko6552]

Thanks so much for safe 🐘🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💚💚💚💚💚🕊️🥰🌍

[@NavigatorMother]

Even the way Kaavan walks speaks so clearly that his guard is down, his anxiety is gone, he wants to be with you and his mahout- his mud puddle is such an enormous hit with him and growing. Its all so incredibly worth it. I can't wait now to stumble across a video on yt of Doc Amir visiting him again in Cambodia and singing "My Way" from behind a tree to surprise him, just to see his reaction. Kaavan is really seeing, maybe for the first time, how incredibly individual human beings can be, while at the same time all being kind, and all loving him, instead of the absolute opposite, so traumatic for him in his past, but not anymore.

[@beccac6451]

Did Kaavan ever get to be with other elephants? I am so glad 4 paws stepped in and rescued Kaavan. He is so much happier now.

[@lauries656]

I’m so surprised that CHER is not mentioned. It’s like doing a video of Cinderella… without … the Fairy Godmother. Cher worked tirelessly to ensure that Kaavan has a beautiful life within the sanctuary. She contacted the Prime Minister of Islamabad. She was told she had to go to Islamabad herself to pick Kaavan up and have him transported. She risked her life during a pandemic to do so!! It was Four Paws who helped along side CHER. CHER sang I DID IT MY WAY alongside Dr Amir. It was so touching. We all witnessed these beautiful moments and many of us who follow CHER had tears when Kaavan took his first step out of his crate into the sand and gave himself a sand bath. It was CHER all the way. That she is not mentioned here and in other videos made recently… is quite appalling to say the least. CHER is the reason Kaavan is there and no one else should be taking credit for his arrival and no one should ever omit her. To do so is just poor directing and producing. I would really like to know why the producer and director have not even mentioned her. Please explain. Personally, I would not agree to participate in a video that omits the person who personally took Kaavan to safety. It’s just too deceiving so I just wouldn’t.

[@kateedinburgh7021]

What a beautiful thing to have done.......