Residents of Islamabad protest against the city’s zoo administration for their “cruel treatment” of Kaavan, an elephant who is unwell and apparently kept hidden from the public according to Pakistan media.

Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, daughter of Asif Ali Zardari, also raised her voice, saying that Kaavan needs to be given to a sanctuary, after reports surfaced that he is unwell reported Samaa Tv.

The pictures circulating on social media suggest that the zoo administration has kept Kaavan behind a tarp, making him inaccessible for tourists.

Kaavan has been living in chains ever since his female companion, Saheli, died in 2012. The lonely elephant was brought to Islamabad as a baby in 1985. It was a gift from Srilanka to Pakistan.

Spending almost four years in chains, Kaavan had become aggressive and was only freed in September 2015 when Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif intervened.

International animal rights activists had long been advocating for the elephant to be sent to an international sanctuary. Many celebrities, including American singer and actor Cher, have been part of the campaign aimed to free Kaavan.