Amid growing global awareness of the need for wildlife preservation, countries are ramping up efforts to protect endangered species and restore ecosystems. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and other conservation organisations have highlighted the urgency of addressing biodiversity loss, with numerous initiatives aimed at protecting wildlife habitats and ensuring species survival. India, with its rich biodiversity and diverse ecosystems, has emerged as a key player in these global efforts, committing to ambitious conservation programs and setting benchmarks for wildlife protection.
In line with this global movement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Vantara, a state-of-the-art wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation centre in Jamnagar.
Established by Reliance Industries and Reliance Foundation, Vantara is home to over 2,000 species and more than 1.5 lakh rescued and endangered animals.
During the inauguration, Modi interacted with several animals, including feeding a one-horned Rhino calf and patting an Okapi. He also witnessed an Asiatic Lion undergoing an MRI at the centre’s wildlife hospital.
Sharing a video and photos on X, the PM described the initiative as a “commendable effort,” adding, “Inaugurated Vantara, a unique wildlife conservation, rescue and rehabilitation initiative, which provides a safe haven for animals while promoting ecological sustainability and wildlife welfare. I commend Anant Ambani and his entire team for this very compassionate effort. An effort like Vantara is truly commendable, a vibrant example of our centuries-old ethos of protecting those we share our planet with.”
A video posted by Reliance Industries also showed Modi feeding various species such as Giraffes, Elephants, and Lion cubs. Vantara spans 3,500 acres and features the world’s largest cheetah conservation project.
The PM was accompanied by Mukesh Ambani, Nita Ambani, and Anant Ambani, who gave him a tour of the facility. A year ago, Vantara hosted guests during Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s pre-wedding festivities.
“PM patted an Okapi, came face to face with Chimpanzees in open who were got from a facility where they were kept as pets, hugged and lovingly played with Orangutans who were earlier kept in an overcrowded facility, saw up close a Hippopotamus which was under water, saw crocodiles, undertook a walk between Zebras, fed a Giraffe and a Rhino calf. The one-horned Rhino calf was orphaned as her mother died at the facility,” a statement from Reliance Industries said.
In addition to interacting with animals like Orangutans and Chimpanzees rescued from captivity, Modi visited the MRI room where an Asiatic Lion was undergoing treatment. He also saw a Leopard receiving life-saving surgery after being hit by a car.
Vantara’s elephant welfare efforts were recognized with the ‘Prani Mitra’ National Award by the central government, India’s highest animal welfare honour. The PM also visited the elephant hospital, the largest of its kind in the world, and released rescued parrots back into the wild.
Vantara’s conservation work includes breeding rare species like the Caracal cat, which are later released into the wild to ensure their preservation.
Also Read: Anant Ambani’s Vantara Gets India’s Highest Animal Welfare Honour, Receives ‘Prani Mitra’ Award
