Jamnagar (Gujarat) [India]: Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated Vantara, an animal rescue, conservation, and rehabilitation centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, demonstrating his deep love and concern for wildlife. The event saw the presence of Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, his wife Nita Ambani, their son Anant Ambani, and daughter-in-law Radhika Merchant.
During his visit, PM Modi explored the state-of-the-art veterinary facilities at Vantara, including MRI, CT scans, and ICUs for animals. He also interacted closely with several rescued and rehabilitated animals, reflecting his compassion for wildlife conservation.
Heartwarming Interactions with Wildlife
A video shared on PM Modi’s official YouTube channel captured his affectionate interactions with various animals, including:
- Asiatic Lion cubs
- White Lion cub
- Clouded Leopard cub (a rare and endangered species)
- Caracal cub (a species becoming rare in India)
The White Lion cub that PM Modi fed was born at the centre after its mother was rescued. The Caracals are being bred at Vantara under a captive breeding program aimed at repopulation and eventual release into the wild.
Advanced Wildlife Care Facilities
PM Modi visited the wildlife hospital at Vantara, witnessing:
- An Asiatic Lion undergoing an MRI.
- A Leopard undergoing life-saving surgery after a road accident.
- The largest elephant hospital in the world, featuring hydrotherapy pools to aid elephants suffering from arthritis and foot problems.
The centre provides habitats that closely mirror the natural environments of the rescued animals, including:
- Snow Leopards, One-Horned Rhinoceroses, and Asiatic Lions.
- Chimpanzees, Orangutans, and Hippopotamuses.
- A unique collection of reptiles such as a large Python, a two-headed snake, and a two-headed turtle.
Face-to-Face with Rare and Rescued Animals
PM Modi also had face-to-face interactions with:
- A Golden Tiger and 4 Snow Tigers rescued from a circus.
- A White Lion and a Snow Leopard.
- Giraffes, Zebras, Rhinos, and Elephants.
He patted an Okapi, interacted with Chimpanzees, and lovingly played with Orangutans rescued from poor conditions. He also walked among Zebras and fed a Giraffe and an orphaned One-Horned Rhino calf.
Conservation Initiatives at Vantara
Some key conservation projects at the centre include:
- Asiatic Lion and Snow Leopard breeding programs.
- Rescue and rehabilitation of parrots and other exotic birds.
- Care for injured and orphaned animals found in the wild.
PM Modi released rescued parrots back into the wild, symbolizing the centre’s mission of rehabilitation and release.
World Wildlife Day: PM Modi’s Message
Marking World Wildlife Day, PM Modi emphasized the importance of protecting the planet’s biodiversity:
“Today, on World Wildlife Day, let’s reiterate our commitment to protect and preserve the incredible biodiversity of our planet. Every species plays a vital role—let’s safeguard their future for generations to come! We also take pride in India’s contributions towards preserving and protecting wildlife.”
He also took a lion safari at the Gir National Park in Gujarat, showcasing his commitment to wildlife conservation.
Key Highlights:
- Vantara Centre:
- Focus on rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation of endangered species.
- Advanced medical care for wildlife, including MRI and surgeries.
- PM Modi’s Interactions:
- Feeding and playing with various animal species.
- Demonstrated a personal commitment to wildlife conservation.
- Conservation Initiatives:
- Focus on breeding programs for endangered species.
- Rehabilitation and release programs for rescued animals.
Future Prospects:
The Vantara centre is poised to become a major hub for wildlife conservation in India, aligning with PM Modi’s vision of preserving biodiversity. The centre’s efforts in rescue, rehabilitation, and breeding programs are expected to contribute significantly to wildlife preservation in the region.