Common Sense Media Review
By Sabrina McFarland
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Pop legend lends stardom to dynamic animal rescue docu.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Cher & The Loneliest Elephant
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
CHER & THE LONELIEST ELEPHANT is a documentary about the actions taken by the Oscar-winning actor and pop singer along with others to offer a better life for Kaavan, a Pakistani bull elephant. It's a five-year effort by the team to free the animal from the Marghazar Zoo in Islamabad, where he has been held captive in uncaring living conditions while being featured as a star attraction for visitors to see.
Is It Any Good?
In this heartwarming film about the incredible rescue of a bull elephant, Cher initially admits that she's not sure about how to help. "I cannot save an elephant in Pakistan because I have no street cred," says the Academy Award-winning actor in Cher & The Loneliest Elephant. "How am I going to do this?" But with her passion for animals, the Goddess of Pop shows that she can, and gathers support from experts and friends. Cher captures the part of elephant rescuer with perfection, a role that she says "was way beyond my job description, but, you know, they have feelings and we have to be responsive." And Cher & The Loneliest Elephant does just that as a moving story sure to initiate a dialogue about the subjects of animal care and rescue.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the teamwork of the cast in Cher & The Loneliest Elephant. How do they also demonstrate compassion, courage, and perseverance? Why are these important character strengths?
Why is Kaavan referred to as the "dancing elephant" and "loneliest elephant" at the zoo?
What are shared similarities between elephants and humans?
What is the meaning of animal rescue? What could you do to help save or support animals?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : April 22, 2021
- Cast : Cher , Amir Khalil , Samar Khan
- Director : Jonathan Finnigan
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Middle Eastern/North African Movie Actor(s)
- Studios : Smithsonian Channel , Nutshell TV Ltd. , Two Wise Monkeys Entertainment , Terra Mater Factual Studios
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Activism , STEM , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 46 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate