'D-Day' for Pakistan's lonely elephant as handlers prepare airlift to Cambodia

Zoo staff and animal experts gather as a crane uplifting a crate carrying Kaavan, an elephant to be transported to a sanctuary in Cambodia, at the Marghazar Zoo in Islamabad, Pakistan November 29, 2020. REUTERS/Saiyna Bashir

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - A team of animal experts began the task on Sunday of airlifting Pakistan's lonely elephant Kaavan on the long journey to his new home at a sanctuary in northwestern Cambodia, marking the culmination of years of campaigning by American singer Cher.

Cher, who has written songs calling for Kaavan to be rescued from his grim and lonely conditions at Islamabad Zoo, is due to meet the elephant upon its arrival in Cambodia after she spent the last few days with him in Islamabad.