Vantara, the animal rescue and rehabilitation centre in Gujarat, said on Wednesday that it fully supports efforts to bring back Madhuri, a 36-year-old elephant, to her original home in Kolhapur. This comes after the Maharashtra government announced plans to request the Supreme Court to review its earlier order and allow the tusker’s return. Vantara said in a statement that it acknowledged the deep religious and cultural significance that Madhuri holds for the Jain Matha and the people of Kolhapur. For decades, she has been an integral part of deep-rooted spiritual practices and community life. “We recognise and respect the sentiments of the devotees, the leadership of the Jain Matha, and the wider community who have expressed their concerns and attachment to Madhuri’s presence in Kolhapur”, the statement said.
The statement continued that Vantara’s involvement in this matter has been limited to acting strictly in accordance to the binding directions issued by the Hon’ble Supreme Court and the Hon’ble Bombay High Court. The decision to relocate Madhuri was taken under judicial authority, and Vantara’s role was to provide care, veterinary support, and housing as an independent rescue and rehabilitation centre. “At no stage did Vantara initiate or recommend the relocation, nor was there any intent to interfere with religious practice or sentiment”, the statement added.
Madhuri the elephant, also known as Mahadevi, was shifted from Kolhapur’s Nandani Math to Vantara’s facility in Jamnagar last month, following a Bombay High Court order based on a petition People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
“Vantara will extend full support to any application filed by the Jain Math and the Government of Maharashtra before the Hon’ble Court requesting Madhuri’s return to Kolhapur,” it said in an official statement. “Subject to the Court’s approval, Vantara will provide complete technical and veterinary assistance for her safe and dignified return.”
Run by Anant Ambani, Vantara is a sprawling wildlife rescue and rehab centre home to over 1.5 lakh animals from more than 2,000 species. Madhuri the elephant, had been abused for years before being relocated and is now recovering under expert care in Jamnagar.
After the public protests, yesterday, Maharashtra Chief Minister
Devendra Fadnavis had said that his government would take legal recourse for Madhuri however before they did that, Vantara issued a statement saying it will back any such move.
As a long-term solution, Vantara also proposed establishing a satellite rehabilitation centre for Madhuri in Kolhapur. It said the new facility will be developed in collaboration with the Math, the Maharashtra government, and animal welfare experts.
The plan includes:
- A hydrotherapy pond and swimming area
- Laser therapy rooms and rehab spaces
- A night shelter and large open area without chains
- A sand pit for natural behaviour and play
- A fully equipped veterinary clinic for 24/7 care
- Soft rubber floors and sand mounds for resting and relief from joint pain and foot rot
The land will be chosen in consultation with the Math’s head and state officials, Vantara said, adding that its team is ready to start work once permissions are in place.
In alignment with our commitment to lawful conduct, responsible animal care, and community cooperation, Vantara will extend full support to any application filed by the Jain Matha and the Government of Maharashtra before the Court requesting Madhuri’s return to Kolhapur. Subject to the Court’s approval, Vantara will provide complete technical and veterinary assistance for her safe and dignified return. Vantara said If our involvement, despite being carried out solely under court directions, has caused any distress to the Jain community or the people of Kolhapur, we express our sincere regret. Michhami Dukkadam—if any hurt was caused through thought, word, or deed, knowingly or unknowingly, we seek your forgiveness.
“Vantara remains committed to the highest standards of animal welfare, institutional integrity, and respectful engagement with communities across India. Our efforts will continue to prioritise lawful conduct, transparency, and the well-being of the animals entrusted to our care. Let us move forward not in opposition but in unity, with love for Madhuri at the heart of it all”, the statement said.
Furthermore, Vantara proposes to work in close coordination with the Jain Matha and the State Government to establish a satellite rehabilitation centre for Madhuri in the Nandani area of Kolhapur. The proposed facility will be developed in accordance to the established animal welfare guidelines, after consultation with experts from the High Powered Committee and consensus of the Matha, while aligned to international best practices in elephant care.
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