Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: A Senate committee on Monday recommended relocating the 31-year-old male Asian elephant, named Kaavan, from Islamabad’s Zoo to Sri Lanka or any other suitable sanctuary abroad.

The committee discussed the issue of Kaavan on the directions of Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani, who had taken notice of the issue after media reported ‘terrible conditions’ under which the elephant was being kept. Committee Chairman Senator Talha Mehmood, with other members like Senator Kulsoom Perveen and Senator Samina Abid, recommended the move to improve Kaavan’s living condition.

Federal Minister for Capital Administration and Development Division (CAD) Tariq Fazl Chaudhry opposed the suggestion and said that the government was working to privatise the Islamabad Zoo, in an effort to improve Kaavan’s condition. “A female companion will be brought for Kavaan from Sri Lanka,” Chaudhry said.

Senator Samina Abid contradicted the suggestion and said, “A female elephant of Kaavan’s age cannot be transported from abroad. According to animal experts only baby elephant can be transported.” Kaavan has been kept in chains since the death of its female companion Saheli, back in 2012 and was brought to the zoo in 1985 — as a Sri Lankan gift.

The elephant was unchained in September of last year after Prime Minister Nawaz Shairf intervened following the international animal rights activists comments of sending the elephant to an international sanctuary. After being kept in chains for such a long time, Kaavan has become aggressive.

Senator Nuzhat Sadiq, accompanied by other colleagues, visited the zoo and submitted their observations in a report with the Senate. Committee members suggested sending Kaavan back to Sri Lanka or any other suitable sanctuary abroad as it would be the best solution to improve its health and mental condition.