India is set to witness the creation of the world’s largest zoo and wildlife preservation centre called Vantara, a dream project led by Anant Ambani, the younger son of Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani. This massive initiative aims to rescue, treat, and protect abused, injured, and endangered animals.
Grand Zoo The World Has Ever Seen
Spanning an impressive 3,000 acres within Reliance’s Jamnagar Refinery Complex often referred to as the Green Belt of Gujarat, Vantara is poised to be a revolutionary wildlife haven. It seeks to replicate a natural forest environment, providing a safe and nurturing space for rescued animals. The project is generously funded by Reliance Industries & Reliance Foundation.
What Will Vantara Offer?
Vantara promises a comprehensive approach to animal conservation, featuring state-of-the-art healthcare facilities, hospitals, research centres, and academic institutions. Collaborating with respected organizations like the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF), Vantara aims to make a significant impact on wildlife preservation.
Vantara’s Achievements So Far
Over the years, Vantara has already made strides in wildlife protection. The initiative has rescued more than 200 elephants and various reptiles and birds from harmful situations. Notably, Vantara has undertaken critical initiatives for the rehabilitation of key species such as rhinos, leopards, and crocodiles. International collaborations with rescue centres in Mexico and Venezuela have expanded its reach in saving large, wild animals.
State-of-the-Art Elephant Rescue Center
Vantara addresses the urgent need for elephant conservation, with a special focus on those endangered due to relentless hunting for their tusks. The Center for Elephants within Vantara boasts state-of-the-art shelters, hydrotherapy pools, and even a large elephant jacuzzi for treating ailments like arthritis. With over 200 elephants under its care, the centre operates with a team of 500 professionals, including veterinarians, nutritionists, and pathologists.
The Elephant Hospital, one of the largest globally, stands at an impressive 25,000 square meters. It is equipped with advanced medical facilities such as portable X-ray and laser machines, a pharmacy centre, a pathology lab, and a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. The hospital has successfully performed surgeries, including cataracts and endoscopic-guided procedures, ensuring the well-being of ageing elephants.
Additionally, the hospital’s kitchen generates customized meal plans for elephants, offering them specialized care with Multani-mitti massages and hot oil therapy administered by an experienced team of Ayurveda experts.
Animal Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre
Vantara’s Rescue & Rehabilitation Center is home to over 2,000 animals across 43 species, saved from exploitative or perilous conditions. The centre houses and cares for 200 elephants, 300 large felines, over 300 herbivores, and more than 1,200 reptiles. With a 2,100-member-strong team, the centre provides critical care and facilities such as an ICU, MRI, CT scan, X-ray, and more.
Anant Ambani, the driving force behind Vantara, envisions a future where wildlife conservation plays a pivotal role. His passion for wildlife conservation aligns with his commitment to sustainable energy, evident in Reliance’s renewable energy project in Jamnagar.
In his words, the philosophy of Vantara is rooted in the age-old Indian principle propounded by Swami Vivekananda: Those dedicating themselves to ‘jeev seva’ (which roughly translates to caring for animals), are also doing their duty towards the Almighty and humanity.
Importance Of Animal Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre
Building an Animal Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre (ARRC) offers a multitude of benefits on various levels, making it a crucial initiative for several reasons:
Benefits for Animals:
- Improved welfare: ARRCs provide a haven for animals in need, offering them shelter, medical care, and proper nutrition. These facilities rescue animals from situations like neglect, abuse, abandonment, or injury, giving them a chance to heal and recover.
- Rehabilitation and release: For wildlife, ARRCs focus on rehabilitation with the ultimate goal of releasing them back into their natural habitat. This process involves providing them with necessary skills and ensuring their ability to survive independently in the wild.
- Finding forever homes: For domestic animals, ARRCs facilitate adoption by fostering positive connections with potential owners. This process ensures these animals find loving and responsible homes, reducing overcrowding in shelters and euthanasia rates.
Benefits for Society:
- Reduces animal cruelty: ARRCs act as deterrents against animal cruelty by providing a safe space for animals and educating the public about responsible pet ownership.
- Conservation efforts: ARRCs contribute to conservation efforts by rehabilitating injured wildlife and releasing them back into the wild, promoting healthy ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Community engagement: ARRCs often involve volunteers and foster families, fostering a sense of community and responsibility towards animal welfare. They can also educate the public about animal care and conservation issues.
ARRCs play a vital role in promoting animal welfare, responsible pet ownership, and conservation efforts. They offer a second chance to countless animals, reduce suffering, and contribute to a more compassionate and responsible society. The presence of ARRCs demonstrates a community’s commitment to ethical treatment of animals and environmental responsibility.
In a media interview, Ambani explained what inspired him to launch such a large and ambitious animal rehabilitation effort. “What began as a passion for me at a young age has now become a mission for Vantara and our creative and dedicated team. We are committed to safeguarding severely endangered animals indigenous to India. We also seek to restore critical ecosystems, address immediate threats to species, and establish Vantara as a cutting-edge conservation program. We hope Vantara becomes a light of hope around the world, demonstrating how a forward-thinking organization may contribute to global biodiversity conservation efforts,” he told reporters.
Positive Takeaway
Vantara emerges as a beacon of hope for global biodiversity conservation. Anant Ambani’s mission is to showcase how a forward-thinking institution can lead the way in protecting critically endangered species, restoring vital habitats, and addressing urgent threats to species worldwide. Vantara stands as a testament to the philosophy that caring for animals is a noble duty towards both the Almighty and humanity.
