He remained at the Islamabad Zoo until November 2020, when he was moved to a sanctuary in Cambodia,[3] in response to a campaign launched by local and international animal rights activists, led by American singer Cher.

[9] In response to the petition, zoo officials took some steps to improve Kaavan's care, such as providing additional water and removing his chains.

[9] Safwan Shahab Ahmad, the vice-chairman of Pakistan Wildlife Foundation, identified some of Kaavan's behavior as a kind of mental illness, possibly connected to the conditions in which he was kept.

[9] It ordered wildlife officials to consult with Sri Lankan authorities to find a suitable sanctuary for Kaavan in another country within thirty days.

[19] Cher arrived in Pakistan to bid farewell to Kaavan and a ceremony was also organized at the Islamabad Zoo, which was attended by officials, activists, and members of the public.

[23] In March 2021, Paramount+ announced the release of a documentary film, titled Cher & the Loneliest Elephant, detailing the singer's quest, alongside animal aid groups and veterinarians, to free Kaavan from confinement and have him transferred to a wildlife sanctuary.