Why in News?
- The Maharashtra Chief Minister held talks with the team running the Vantara wildlife centre after public controversy over the relocation of an elephant from Kolhapur to Jamnagar.
What Is Vantara?
- Vantara, meaning “Star of the Forest,” is a private, non‑commercial wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre.
- Developed by the Reliance Foundation and led by Anant Ambani, it operates under a philanthropic model rather than as a zoo or safari park.
- Located inside the Jamnagar Refinery Township in Gujarat, it spans 3,500 acres.
Mission and Facilities
- Opened in March 2025, Vantara provides care for injured, abandoned and rescued animals from across India.
- The Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre within Vantara covers about 650 acres. It houses enclosures for big cats, reptiles, birds and herbivores.
- A specialised Elephant Centre is equipped with hydrotherapy pools, diagnostic imaging and recovery zones.
- The campus includes animal transport systems, quarantine areas and CCTV monitoring to ensure species‑specific care.
- Public access is restricted; it is intended for rescue and rehabilitation, not tourism. Limited educational visits may be considered in the future.
- Vantara shelters more than 150,000 animals across roughly 2,000 species, including elephants, rhinoceroses, crocodiles, leopards and exotic birds.
Conservation Significance
- Vantara is the largest privately managed animal welfare facility in India and pioneers a corporate model for wildlife rescue.
- It has received the Prani Mitra Award from the Animal Welfare Board of India for its contributions.
- By providing world‑class care, it supports biodiversity conservation and sets standards for private participation in animal welfare.
Conclusion
Vantara showcases how philanthropic initiatives can enhance animal welfare and conservation. Transparent operations and sensitivity to local communities will be important for its long‑term success.