Vantara project incorporates Anant Ambani’s conservation program and spans a sprawling 3,000 acres of land within the boundaries of Reliance’s Jamnagar Refinery Complex in Gujarat, India. This project is called “Vantara,” which translates to “Star of The Forest,” it intends to offer a haven for abused, injured, and vulnerable animals. It goes beyond the traditional zoo model by facilitating a thorough rehabilitation service for animals and taking the initiative to reproduce natural habitats for reclaimed animals—Vantara, which Reliance Industries and Foundation aid, symbolises the dedication to protecting wildlife.
Beyond the borders
Vantara is involved in global efforts to rescue and rehabilitate animals. Collaborating with rescue facilities in Venezuela and Mexico has increased its reach. More than 200 elephants, as well as other reptiles and birds, including vulnerable species like crocodiles, rhinos, and leopards, have been successfully reclaimed by the project since its starting. In response to the request to import various animals from the zoo to Vantara, administrators of Central America were one such instance. It is to be noted that all of these rescue and rehabilitation efforts follow legal and regulatory frameworks, both domestically and globally, adhering to required laws and regulations.
Elephant Rescue Centre
One of the centre’s most spectacular features is its hi-tech Rescue Centre for elephants, which was created primarily to resolve the problems vulnerable elephants face due to the continuous hunt for their tusks. The Elephant Hospital, a prodigy in and of itself with the latest medical facilities, is located within this centre.
The dedicated team of 500 people, which includes pathologists, nutritionists, and veterinarians, continuously works to maintain the health of more than 200 elephants. The treatments offered are inventive and varied, from elephant Jacuzzis to hydrotherapy pools and even fuller earth (Multani—Miti) massages. The project’s comprehensive plan highlights the commitment to maintaining the health and well-being of elephants within the centre.
A Visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Vantara
Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially opened the Vantara animal rescue and rehabilitation facility in Jamnagar on March 7. The Prime Minister was in Gujarat for three days. “Inaugurated Vantara, a unique wildlife conservation, rescue, and rehabilitation initiative, provides a haven for animals while promoting ecological sustainability and wildlife welfare. I commend Anant Ambani and his entire team for this very compassionate effort,” said PM Modi.
More than 2,000 species and more than 1.5 lakh rescued, threatened, and endangered animals can be found in Vantara. The PM had close interactions with various animals that were rehabilitated there. The PM also went to Vantara’s Wildlife Hospital, which contains MRIs, CT scans, intensive care units, and more. The hospital has several departments, such as Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Nephrology, Endoscopy, Dentistry, and Wildlife Anaesthesia. Additionally, he went to the hospital’s MRI facility and saw an Asiatic Lion having an MRI. He also went to the Operation Theatre, where a leopard injured by a car on the highway and taken here after being rescued was undergoing life-saving surgery.
Additionally, the PM was observed playing and feeding with various animals, such as Asiatic and White Lion cubs. After his mother was saved and taken to Vantara for treatment, the White Lion cub that PM Modi nursed was born at the Centre. In addition, PM Modi was spotted giving a lion a high-five. Caracals and cubs of Clouded Leopards are among the vulnerable species found in Vantara. Caracals are bred at Vantara as part of a breeding program to protect them. Later, they are released into the wild.
A Golden Tiger and four white tigers who were brothers and rescued from a circus where they were forced to do feats were also presented to PM Modi. The PM played affectionately with an orangutan, hugged it, and patted an Okapi. He also walked among grazing zebras. In addition, he nursed a rhino calf that was left an orphan after her mother’s demise at the institution, as well as a giraffe.
Furthermore, he observed a giant python, a rare two-headed snake, a two-headed turtle, a tapir, and leopard cubs that had been dissipated in an agricultural field before being located and saved by villagers. The PM also went to see elephants relaxing in their jacuzzi. Additionally, he released the parrots that had been saved at the centre. In addition, the PM engaged with physicians, support personnel, and employees who looked upon different centre facilities.
Inspired by Swami Vivekananda’s teachings and founded on the principle of “Jeev seva,” or service to living beings, this action incorporates a profound mission to protect vulnerable Indian species, restore vital habitats, and widely contribute to conservation efforts internationally.
Vantara is an edge-cutting project that focuses on meeting the vital needs of rescued animals and also promotes conversations about wildlife conservation and the solidarity of people and animals. As it progresses, Vantara is laid to act as an impulse, displaying how contemporary organisations may lead international campaigns for environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation.
Impact of Vantara
Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability (CSR): A developing trend in industries nowadays is incorporating environmental considerations into their operations, which is reflected in the project’s integration with Reliance’s renewable energy programs. Vantara’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) analysis sheds light on how major initiatives might solve environmental concerns and promote sustainable development.
Juggling Exhibiting and Rehabilitation: Vantara’s zoo element raises worries about possible ethical and welfare issues related to animal exhibitions, even though rehabilitation is a primary goal. Examining the project’s adherence to ethical standards and commitment to animal care becomes essential.
Taking Care of the Root Causes: Vantara seems to be promoting and addressing the fundamentals of wildlife loss and attending to the urgent needs of rescued animals. This shows how Vantara can support conservation initiatives beyond rescue and rehabilitation. They also examine elements such as habitat destruction, poaching, and the illegal wildlife trade.
Conclusion
Coexistence in the future, despite being an enormous endeavour, Vantara encourages critical thinking and reflection in the field of Wildlife Conservation. It intricates the relationship between people and animals, the benefits and difficulties of wildlife conservation, and the changing role of organisations in forming a more sustainable future by looking at the project from a variety of perspectives. Carrying on these discussions opens the door to a time when people and wildlife can live side by side, and the earth will be better for everybody.
