An elephant who is currently living alone in a run-down Pakistani zoo will be allowed to move after a campaign by animal rights activists called for his transfer to better conditions.
Kaavan, who is called the "world's loneliest elephant" by international animal welfare organisation Four Paws, has been kept in an enclosure in Marghazar Zoo, Islamabad for over 35 years.
On Friday (local time), Four Paws, on behalf of Pakistani authorities, performed medical exams on Kaavan to ensure he was well enough to be relocated.
Four Paws said in a statement the elephant has been given medical approval to travel, potentially to Cambodia, where he would live in an animal sanctuary.
"Following the checks, which confirmed Kaavan is strong enough, steps will now be taken to finalise his relocation," it said.
Four Paws spokesperson Martin Bauer told the Associated Press that a travel date hadn't been set yet.
Many animal rights groups and celebrities, including US singer Cher, had campaigned over the years for Kaavan to be moved.
In May, the Islamabad High Court ruled to close Marghazar Zoo because of its poor keeping conditions.
"Unfortunately, the rescue comes too late for two lions that died during an attempted transfer at the end of July after local animal handlers set a fire in their enclosure to force them into their transport crates," Four Paws said in its statement.
It added it was then invited by the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board, which is now responsible for the zoo, to support the relocation of the remaining zoo animals.
Kaavan's medical examination showed he is overweight, is malnourished, has cracked nails, and damaged feet from pacing the improper enclosure flooring.
Head veterinarian at Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research in Berlin Dr Frank Göritz said in Four Paws' statement that a lack of physical and behavioural activities and the absence of a partner have resulted in Kaavan becoming bored.
"He has already developed stereotypical behaviour where he swooshes his head and trunk from side to side for hours," he said.
Sri Lanka gifted Kaavan to Pakistan in 1985, according to Four Paws. He and his partner Saheli lived together until her death in 2012.
