Uncertain future: Myanmar offers to relocate Kaavan

CDA management yet to respond; activists protest outside zoo

ISLAMABAD:

A UK-based animal welfare charity — Four Paws International (FPI) — has formally approached the city’s managers with an offer to transport Kaavan, a 31-year-old behaviourally challenged Asian elephant at the Islamabad Zoo to a sanctuary in Myanmar.

The offer is sent in writing to the Capital Development Authority (CDA) by the charity after obtaining necessary permissions from the government of Myanmar — which according to the content of an email “is ready to process travelling documents for Kaavan within 24 hours of accepting the offer by CDA.”

If approved by the CDA management, which is “most unlikely” as said by a senior CDA officer, Kaavan would be released to an animal sanctuary spanning over hundreds of hectors of forest area at district BAGO Yoma of Myanmar.

Dr Amir Khalil, a representative of the charity organisation, wrote in the offer letter that “FPI confirms taking responsibility in organising the transport and relocation of the elephant from Murghazar Zoo to Myanmar.”

It further says that CDA is required to issue a letter of acceptance, being the owner of Kaavan, for the translocation of the elephant.

The Princess Alia Al Hussein Foundation from Jordan, which works closely with Four Paws, decided to help out the shackled elephant for which, its representatives, in recent days also met with Pakistan’s ambassador to Jordan, Lieutenant General (retd) Shafatullah Shah.

Kaavan has recently been freed from the shackles around his legs. But years of being chained has adversely impacted the elephant’s behaviour. The improper enclosure where he is kept along with the death of his female partner, Saheli, a couple of years ago, has left Kaavan with behavioural issues.

CDA spokesperson Ramzan Sajid confirmed receiving an offer from the government of Myanmar and said he would bring it to the notice of the officials concerned, who would decide the matter.

Protest

Over two dozen animal rights activists spent nearly two hours at Islamabad Zoo protesting against Kaavan’s plight on Saturday, demanding his immediate release to a sanctuary.

Sunny Jamil, a representative of Help Welfare Organisation, whose activists actively participated in the event, said though his chains were removed, Kaavan frequently undergoes spells of aggressive behaviour.

“He needs psychological treatment at the earliest, and proper treatment is only possible in a natural environment which only a sanctuary can ensure,” Sunny said.

Faryal Gouhar — organiser of the protest gathering — said their protest would continue until Kaavan’s release, adding that they would return with more people soon. “Our demand has not been met yet. We need Kaavan to be in a sanctuary not in any zoo,” she added.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 4^th, 2015.