NEW DELHI, Mar 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially launched Vantara, an innovative initiative for wildlife conservation, rescue, and rehabilitation located in Jamnagar, Gujarat, established by Anant Ambani.
During the event, accompanied by Anant Ambani, son of Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani, the PM was observed interacting with lion cubs, feeding rescued giraffes, and observing crocodiles in their habitat, while Anant Ambani elaborated on the features of the conservation park.
In a series of posts on X, the Prime Minister shared:
“I inaugurated Vantara, a distinctive wildlife conservation, rescue, and rehabilitation initiative that provides a safe environment for animals while advocating for ecological sustainability and wildlife welfare. I applaud Anant Ambani and his dedicated team for this compassionate endeavor.”
“An initiative like Vantara is highly commendable, showcasing our timeless cultural ethos of safeguarding our fellow beings on this planet. Here are some insights.”
“At Vantara, I encountered an elephant that had suffered from an acid attack. The elephant was receiving exceptional care. There were also elephants that had lost their sight, tragically due to their Mahouts, and another which was struck by a fast-moving truck. This raises a pertinent question: how can humans exhibit such negligence and cruelty? Let us eliminate such irresponsibility and foster kindness towards animals.”
“There were additional cases, too. A lioness suffered severe spinal injuries after being hit by a vehicle, yet she was receiving appropriate care. A leopard cub, abandoned by her family, was given a new chance at life with adequate nutritional support. I commend the Vantara team for their dedication to the care of numerous animals like these.”
Vantara, located in Jamnagar, serves as a modern animal rescue, conservation, and rehabilitation facility, founded by Reliance Industries and Reliance Foundation.
Spanning an impressive 3,500 acres within the Reliance Jamnagar Refinery Complex, this sanctuary functions as a center for wildlife care and preservation.
During his visit, PM Modi observed advanced veterinary facilities at the wildlife hospital in Vantara, including MRI, CT scan, and ICU services, alongside specialized departments such as wildlife anesthesia, cardiology, nephrology, endoscopy, dentistry, and internal medicine.
Throughout his visit, the Prime Minister interacted with several Asiatic lion cubs, including a rare white lion, a clouded leopard, and a caracal, and fed them milk and food.
The white lion cub nurtured by PM Modi was born at Vantara after its rescued mother was brought to the Vantara Animal Rescue Centre.
He also saw a scan of an Asiatic lion in the MRI room and visited the operation theater where surgeons were treating a leopard injured in a highway incident.
Vantara Animal Rescue Centre maintains an environment that simulates natural habitats for rescued animals. The conservation initiatives at Vantara focus on species such as the Asiatic lion, snow leopard, and one-horned rhinoceros.
The Prime Minister also had up-close interactions with several predators, including a golden tiger, four snow tigers rescued from a circus, a white lion, and a snow leopard.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was observed petting an okapi, engaging with a free-roaming chimpanzee, and being embraced by an orangutan. He watched hippos underwater, observed crocodiles swimming, walked among zebras, and fed a giraffe and an orphaned baby rhinoceros.
The Prime Minister’s tour included viewing a giant python, a two-headed snake, a two-headed tortoise, tapirs, rescued leopard cubs, giant otters, bongo antelopes, and seals.
He also visited the world’s largest elephant hospital, interacting with the medical team, support staff, and facility management personnel at the center.
Vantara embodies Anant Ambani’s vision, focusing on key challenges like habitat loss, human-animal conflict, and poaching.
The center is home to over 2,000 animals across 43 species, supported by state-of-the-art facilities including advanced veterinary equipment, spacious enclosures mimicking natural habitats, and a skilled team of over 2,100 staff members.
Vantara not only champions animal welfare but also seeks to educate visitors on conservation efforts and the significance of biodiversity.
(UNI)
