All about Vantara, the 3000-acre animal shelter launched by Anant Ambani in Jamnagar
Anant Ambani, the younger son of Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries, has announced the launch of his ambitious wildlife preservation project, which is all set to become the world’s largest zoo and rehabilitation center.
Dubbed ‘Vantara,’ meaning ‘Star Of The Forest,’ this expansive initiative spans 3,000 acres within Reliance’s Jamnagar Refinery Complex, often referred to as the Green Belt Of Gujarat.
Vantara, a brainchild of Anant Ambani and supported by Reliance Industries and Reliance Foundation, aims to be a haven for abused, injured, and endangered animals. The project is not merely a zoo but a comprehensive rehabilitation center, designed to recreate a natural and nurturing environment akin to the lush habitats from which the rescued animals hail.
The extensive facility is witness to the project’s dedication to wildlife conservation and is poised to engage in partnerships with prestigious organizations, including the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF).
The grand conservation center includes state-of-the-art healthcare facilities, hospitals, research centers, and academic institutions. Vantara’s focus extends beyond its immediate borders, with initiatives to rescue and rehabilitate animals globally.
Since its inception, the initiative has successfully saved more than 200 elephants and a variety of reptiles and birds, including critical species such as rhinos, leopards, and crocodiles. Collaborations with rescue centers on a global level, notably in Mexico and Venezuela, have substantially expanded its influence.
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FacebookTwitterPintrestNotably, the center boasts a state-of-the-art Elephant Rescue Centre, specifically addressing the plight of elephants endangered due to relentless hunting for their tusks. The Elephant Hospital within the center is a marvel, which comes equipped with advanced medical facilities, including portable X-ray and laser machines, a pathology lab, and a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. The center’s 500-member staff, comprising veterinarians, nutritionists, and pathologists, works tirelessly to ensure the well-being of over 200 elephants, offering treatments such as hydrotherapy pools, a large elephant jacuzzi, and even multani-mitti massages.
Under the umbrella of Vantara, the extensive Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre offers sanctuary to numerous animals rescued from exploitative conditions or near-death situations. With a dedicated staff of 2,100, the center has offered protection and care to over 2,000 animals, representing 43 diverse species. The facilities offer ICU, MRI, CT scan, X-ray, ultrasound, endoscopy, dental scalers, lithotripsy, dialysis, and cutting-edge technology for live video conferences during surgical procedures.
Vantara’s visionary leader, Anant Ambani, envisions the project not only as a monumental conservation effort, but also as a hope for global biodiversity initiatives.
Photo courtesy: Reliance FoundationRooted in the philosophy of ‘jeev seva’ or caring for animals, inspired by Swami Vivekananda, the initiative reflects a mission to protect critically endangered species native to India, restore vital habitats, and contribute significantly to global conservation.
Anant Ambani’s dedication to wildlife conservation aligns with his focus on sustainable energy production, as reflected in his leadership of Reliance’s renewable energy initiative in Jamnagar. Striving to transform Reliance into a Net Carbon Zero company by 2035, Ambani has adopted a comprehensive approach to environmental stewardship.
Vantara represents a pioneering venture that not only addresses the immediate needs of rescued animals, but also contributes to the broader conversation on wildlife conservation and the coexistence of humans and animals. As it unfolds, Vantara stands poised to be a transformative force, showcasing how forward-thinking institutions can lead global initiatives for biodiversity preservation.