It is heart-wrenching to see Kaavan unable to make use of his four legs
ISLAMABAD: Despite national and international protests and the fact that thousands of people have filed petitions against the shackling of Kaavan the elephant, there has hardly been anything done by the CDA to free him from the atrocious cruelty he faces. It is heart-wrenching to see Kaavan unable to make use of his four legs which, by nature, were created for him to roam freely. If we could imagine ourselves being chained for over 28 years without being able to move as we like, and hardly anyone to provide us with proper care, we would then realise how much we have traumatised Kaavan. Insensitivity has permeated our authorities to such an extent that they seem to have lost the ability to feel the agony of hapless creatures.
The global pressure created through emails and messages posted on social media calling to free Kaavan resulted in the CDA requiring the zoo to remove the chains on his legs. However, the poor soul’s semi-freedom lasted only for a while. My heart bleeds out of sorrow for Kaavan and makes me wonder what right we have as humans to control an animal’s life in such a cruel way. Elephants live up to 70 years in their natural habitats and form complex social bonds with other elephants. They are capable of roaming for up to 30 miles a day, whereas Kaavan is completely deprived of his rights.
Kaavan has been exploited for profit for 28 years. He deserves to be released into a sanctuary where he can physically and mentally heal. Otherwise, neglect and gangrene will soon take his life. Pakistan’s inhumane treatment of Kaavan is being observed by people from the world over. The CDA can learn from the inspiring story of elephant Anne in England, who was mistreated and chained for hours in the same enclosure, similar to Kaavan’s plight. Thanks to some conscious activists, Anne was eventually released into a safari park where she was able to enjoy a more natural environment. The CDA needs to show the same mercy and compassion, and release Kaavan immediately.
Iffrah Akhtar
Published in The Express Tribune, February 3rd, 2016.
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