Some heroes don’t wear capes, and some believe that ‘the left hand shouldn't know what the right hand is doing.’  These words are often true about the kind-hearted individuals who rescue animals, adopting and sheltering them at no cost. They adopt cats, stray dogs, etc. and change their world. Some wealthy people with kind hearts are lucky to be able to do it on a much larger scale.   In recent days, we have been hearing about Anant Ambani's ambitious Vantara wildlife conservation initiative, which aims to save and rehabilitate animals across the globe. Covering 3,000 acres, Vantara is projected to become the largest zoo and wildlife rehabilitation center in India. Situated within Reliance's Jamnagar Refinery Complex in Gujarat, Vantara, meaning ‘Star of the Forest,’ aspires to enhance animal conservation efforts, promoting harmony and coexistence between humans and wildlife.

How Vantara Rescues and Takes Care of Animals

Inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 26 February 2024, Vantara has tailored facilities for elephants and accommodations for other animals, including a variety of leopards, lions, tigers, and crocodiles. Besides specialized animal enclosures, the center has numerous water bodies, including hydrotherapy pools and an elephant-sized jacuzzi for arthritic elephants.

Anant's mission resonates profoundly as Vantara strives to rescue, rehabilitate, and deliver outstanding care for injured, abused, and endangered animals. Collaborating with top experts in animal welfare, Vantara has converted a vast area into a vibrant network of lush, enriching habitats that reflect the animals' natural environments. With a devoted team of over 2,100 members, the rescue and rehabilitation center exemplifies Vantara's steadfast commitment. More than 200 leopards, victims of road accidents or human- wildlife conflict, have discovered refuge within its walls.

Over 1,000 crocodiles, saved from an overcrowded facility in Tamil Nadu, now thrive in spacious enclosures. Animals that faced euthanasia endured suffering in hunting lodges and experienced distress in facilities worldwide, which have all benefited from Vantara's compassionate transformation. The 100,000 sq ft hospital and medical research facility with its state-of-the-art conveniences like MRI, X-ray, ICU, CT scan, dental scaler, endoscopy, lithotripsy, dialysis, ultrasound, and even video conferencing for surgeries boast of unmatched service in Vantara. The dedicated Elephant Hospital offers specialized treatment integrated with hyperbaric oxygen chambers, a laser facility, and a pathology lab. Ayurvedic specialists always stand by to help with multani-mitti massages and complimentary elephant support. Skilled chefs serve uniquely designed diets that consider each elephant’s needs as well as their oral health from the 14,000 sq ft kitchen.

Vantara: Plans and Collaborations

Motivated by Swami Vivekananda's principle of 'Jeev Seva, ' Vantara seeks to protect critically endangered species and rejuvenate their habitats through this wildlife conservation initiative. It intends to partner with renowned organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWFN) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), along with Indian governmental agencies like the Zoo Authority of India, to elevate the quality of zoos nationwide.

As habitat loss, poaching, and climate change drive numerous species toward extinction, conservation actions have become increasingly vital. Sanctuaries and rescue facilities are essential in protecting endangered wildlife, guaranteeing they receive the necessary care and safeguarding.

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Vantara

On his inaugural visit to Vantara, PM Modi explored the various parts of the building and examined the center's conservation endeavors. He met with rehabilitated cubs, including an Asiatic Lion, a White Lion, a Clouded Leopard, and a Caracal. The White Lion cub he was feeding was born at Vantara when her mother was rescued. The Caracal, which used to be common in India, is now part of a breeding program designed to help her survive and be released into the wild.

His trip featured numerous intimate encounters with animals. He stood eye-to-eye with a stunning Golden Tiger, visited a group of Snow Tigers rescued from a circus, met a White Lion, and interacted with a Snow Leopard. He also stroked an Okapi, walked alongside Zebras, played with Orangutans that were saved from overcrowded environments, and engaged with Chimpanzees in a spacious setting. Furthermore, he fed a Giraffe and an orphaned One-Horned Rhino calf whose mother had passed away at the center.

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Vantara is home to some of the rarest species on the planet, including a two-headed snake, a two-headed turtle, Tapirs, Seals, Giant Otters, and Bongo antelopes. The PM observed elephants enjoying time in their jacuzzi and saw the workings of the world's largest elephant hospital, which offers specialized care for these gentle beings. To commemorate the event, he released rescued parrots back into the wild, reflecting the center's mission of rehabilitation and liberation.

Cricketer Virat Kohli Praising Anant Ambani

India's renowned cricketer Virat Kohli praised Anant Ambani and his team at Vantara for their significant contributions to wildlife welfare.

"Anant Ambani and his entire team at Vantara are making a remarkable difference in wildlife welfare. Their dedication to rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation is shaping a more sustainable and compassionate ecosystem. #Vantara @narendramodi," wrote Virat on the social media platform X.