Animal rights activists who were relentlessly campaigning for the release of Kaavan, the 31-year-old elephant from the Islamabad Zoo, were in for euphoria as the Senate Standing Committee on cabinet passed a resolution, on Monday, approving his transfer to a sanctuary.

The decision comes amidst rumours that the Capital Development Authority (CDA), that runs the zoo, was holding talks with the Sri Lankan Government, for bringing in a female elephant from the island nation, as a mate for Kaavan. The elephant and its previous mate, Sahali, were gifted by Sri Lanka.

However, the decision was not welcomed by Kaavan’s supporters, who were pressing the CDA and the Pakistan Government for the release of the tormented elephant into a sanctuary.

It all began when Samar Khan, a Pakistan-born American, saw the plight of Kaavan when she visited the zoo in 2015. Since then, the social media was flocked by supporters persistently demanding his release. The Covai Post had reported that an online petition started by Samar drew the attention of various media platforms and support groups from around the globe, as it had garnered more than 4 lakh votes.

Nonetheless, the news that broke on Monday, took the supporters by pleasant surprise as a green signal was finally shown by the authorities.

Carey Ostrer from the United Kingdom, one of the supporters of Kaavan, told the Covai Post that the news was a huge relief, adding that the decision would set a positive precedent for the rest of the world. “If Pakistan, without any universal animal welfare laws, can do this, then surely other countries that have laws in place will follow the example,” said Ostrer, thanking Pakistan for the efforts.

Ostrer also informed that the entire elephant-selling market should be termed “no-go”, in order to help in the conservation of elephants in the wild.

Though the decision has been approved by the Senate Standing Committee of the Cabinet, according to a Facebook post from Advocate Anees Jillani, the release still has a long way to go.

“This now has to be taken up by the Senate, and then the National Assembly. Many hurdles remain to be cleared. But this is definitely a major step forward,” Jillani’s post read.

The CDA officials have reportedly given a two month deadline for the transfer of Kaavan to a foreign sanctuary. Four Paws international, an animal welfare organisation had already proposed a sanctuary in Myanmar for Kaavan, yet no reported decisions have been made.

Meanwhile, Mohan, a 55-year-elephant was rescued from Uttar Pradesh, today by Forest Department and Police officials after activists took to social media claiming that cruelty was being meted to the ageing animal.