The lone elephant in Islamabad zoo, Kaavan, is still kept under miserable conditions
ISLAMABAD: Animal rights in Pakistan is rarely given importance as our preconceived notions of how one should treat animals are shaped by our misunderstanding of being ‘great’ by only providing them food and shelter without tending to their need for human affection and support. This is exactly why despite numerous news reports and calls by animal rights activists and groups, the lone elephant in Islamabad zoo, Kaavan, is still kept under miserable conditions.
The very fact that he has had no companion for years shows how little the zoo administration understands the needs of the mammal. Elephants are emotional creatures with a high empathy level, which is why their need to be around their own kind and be free is acutely important for their wellbeing. If Kaavan is chained again, even if temporarily, his mental status can hugely be affected. Why wouldn’t the zoo administration just let him go, is beyond comprehension.
Singer Cher also has shown interest in housing him in an elephant sanctuary where Kaavan can live a better life, but the administration has repeatedly turned down such offers which only shows that the plea has hurt their ego. It is less about the wellbeing of Kaavan and more about their inflated sense of self-importance.
Saima Akhter
Published in The Express Tribune, September 25th, 2017.
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