New Delhi [India]: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated Vantara, the world’s largest wildlife research, rescue, and rehabilitation centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat. He praised the initiative as a vibrant example of India’s centuries-old ethos of protecting all living beings and commended Anant Ambani and his team for their dedication to wildlife welfare.
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. pic.twitter.com/NeNjy5LnkO
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 4, 2025
An effort like Vantara is truly commendable, a vibrant example of our centuries old ethos of protecting those we share our planet with. Here are some glimpses… pic.twitter.com/eiq74CSiWx
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 4, 2025
Some more glimpses from my visit to Vantara in Jamnagar. pic.twitter.com/QDkwLwdUod
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 4, 2025
In a post on X, PM Modi stated, “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.”
During his visit, PM Modi shared glimpses of the facility, which provides care for injured, abandoned, or abused animals. Among the animals highlighted was an elephant, a victim of an acid attack, receiving treatment with utmost care. The Prime Minister also spoke of other elephants, one blinded by its Mahout and another struck by a speeding truck. Expressing concern over such cruelty, he urged for kindness towards animals.
At Vantara, I saw an elephant which was the victim of an acid attack. The elephant was being treated with utmost care. There were other elephants too, which were blinded and that too ironically by their Mahout. Another elephant was hit by a speeding truck. This underscores an… pic.twitter.com/dyqaFky7ku
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 4, 2025
“At Vantara, I saw an elephant which was the victim of an acid attack. The elephant was being treated with utmost care. There were other elephants too, which were blinded and that too ironically by their Mahout. Another elephant was hit by a speeding truck. This underscores an important question – how can people be so careless and cruel? Let us put an end to such irresponsibility and focus on kindness towards animals,” PM Modi posted on X.
There were other instances too.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 4, 2025
A lioness was hit by a vehicle with severe spinal injuries. She was getting proper care.
A leopard cub abandoned by her family got a new lease of life, with proper nutritional care.
I compliment the team at Vantara for the care given to… pic.twitter.com/rUYE1R0yuE
The Prime Minister also highlighted the rescue and rehabilitation of a lioness with spinal injuries and a leopard cub abandoned by its family. Both animals received extensive care at Vantara.
The inauguration was attended by Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, his wife Nita Ambani, their son Anant Ambani, and daughter-in-law Radhika Merchant. PM Modi explored various facilities, including a wildlife hospital equipped with MRI, CT scans, and ICUs. He witnessed an Asiatic Lion undergoing an MRI and visited the Operation Theatre where a leopard was undergoing life-saving surgery.
The Prime Minister’s interactions with the resident animals included feeding Asiatic Lion cubs, a White Lion cub, and a rare Clouded Leopard cub. He also visited breeding programs for endangered species like Caracals and witnessed elephants in hydrotherapy pools designed to aid recovery from arthritis and foot problems.
In a touching gesture, PM Modi released rescued parrots and interacted with doctors and staff managing the facilities. His visit also included face-to-face encounters with a Golden Tiger, Snow Tigers, a White Lion, a Snow Leopard, and various other animals, showcasing India’s commitment to wildlife conservation.
On the occasion of World Wildlife Day, PM Modi took a lion safari at Gir National Park and extended wishes for wildlife conservation, saying, “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!”