We request the CDA to please let Kaavan have the freedom to spend the rest of his life in a natural manner
ISLAMABAD: Whenever we go to the Capital Development Authority (CDA)-run zoo in Islamabad to visit Kaavan the elephant, it breaks our hearts to see him standing in solitary confinement in a limited space. Islamabad Zoo is robbing Kaavan of his most basic needs. Elephants are active for as many as 18 hours and roam up to 30 miles a day in the wild foraging for food. They live in social herds and bond with each other as that is an intrinsic need for them. Living unnatural lives in captivity causes health issues and psychological distress, such as the incessant head bobbing displayed by Kaavan. Foot problems from unnatural cement floors are a leading cause of death for elephants in captivity. The other elephant at the zoo, Saheli, died three years ago at age 22 of foot complications. Like Kaavan, it was kept in chains. And now, the CDA plans on getting yet another elephant. We do not wish to have another Kaavan or Saheli.
Saheli died in the CDA’s care. We now request the authority to please let Kaavan have the freedom to spend the rest of his life in a natural manner in the company of other elephants in a sanctuary abroad. Unchain him immediately as per CDA Director General Environment Dr Suleman Shaikh’s promise. Upgrade his existing enclosure and order the zoo authorities to follow international standards for captive animal care.
The way Kaavan’s upkeep is being handled, it neither serves to educate those visiting the zoo nor is it contributing towards protecting him in his natural habitat. Watching National Geographic documentaries about elephants in the wild would be a far more valuable learning experience for Pakistani children.
In recent years, there has been a growing public debate around the world over the ethics of keeping elephants in zoos. Wild animals belong in the wild. They don’t deserve a life in captivity. They don’t deserve to be kept in chains. Even the London Zoo, which had displayed elephants for 170 years, decided in 2001 that its facilities were inadequate and shifted its three Asian elephants to the countryside setting of Whipsnade Wild Animal Park.
Given the plight of elephants in captivity, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in the UK published a report in 2002 that recommends the phasing out of elephant exhibits in zoos worldwide. Freeing Kaavan and sending him to a sanctuary abroad will do wonders for Pakistan’s image and will set an example to the rest of the world about showing compassion for all sentient beings.
A concerned citizen
Published in The Express Tribune, November 3rd, 2015.
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