Rescued from a zoo in Islamabad in November 2020, Kaavan was flown to Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary to live out his life in nature, free from harm. Now, after more than three years living at the sanctuary, Kaavan has adjusted very well to his loving and nurturing environment.
Volunteering to help wildlife is a rewarding experience and Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in Siem Reap Cambodia, is a very special place where volunteers are able to get close to nature and make a huge difference at the sanctuary and the surrounding community.
Kaavan – one cool dude at Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary. Cooler weather is coming. “I think I’ll let my hair grow out this winter”
Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary is a joint project with Save Elephant Foundation that spans 32,000 acres on the edge of the Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary, north of Angkor Wat.
Activists around the world became aware of the plight of Kaavan in 2015 after petitions and news articles began to circulate about the dire conditions in which he was languishing. It was reported that he was bound in chains for over two decades. Activists led by Cher fought for several years to free Kaavan from the zoo and bring him to sanctuary.
Rescued from a zoo in Pakistan, Kaavan was brought to Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary and has a new lease on life. Kaavan enjoys the freedom of a 30-acre forest, with many ponds and watery play areas. He lives life now mostly on his own terms, with the dignity that befits an elephant.
Sarai Mia is the youngest elephant at Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary and definitely the most energetic. She loves going for a swim in one of our many dams, often using a log or a branch to add to her enjoyment. She can also be very vocal. In the mornings during the hot season, you will hear her splashing and playing around in Kaavans old pool, often squeaking while doing so, showing her joy.
Diploh spends many hours filling her belly with the fruit of the forest. She loves a heavy rain. She will seek out the place with the best mudpit and cover herself from head to toe. In the jungle her natural instincts take over, identifying the different roots, trees, grasses, bushes, and fruits there, knowing which is edible and tasty and which others to avoid.