On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially launched Vantara, a groundbreaking initiative focused on wildlife conservation, rescue, and rehabilitation, located in Jamnagar, Gujarat. He praised Anant Ambani, son of Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, and his team for their empathetic efforts, noting that Vantara serves as a sanctuary for animals while promoting ecological sustainability and wildlife welfare.

In a series of posts on X, PM Modi shared, “I inaugurated Vantara, a distinctive wildlife conservation initiative that offers a safe refuge for animals while advocating for ecological sustainability and wildlife welfare. I extend my commendations to Anant Ambani and his dedicated team for this compassionate endeavor.”

He further stated, “Vantara exemplifies our longstanding tradition of safeguarding the creatures with whom we share this planet. Here are some highlights from my visit…”

“During my time at Vantara, I encountered an elephant that was a victim of an acid attack, receiving exemplary treatment. There were also other elephants that had become blind—tragically due to the actions of their Mahouts—along with one that was struck by a speeding truck. This leads to an alarming question: How can people exhibit such carelessness and cruelty? We must address this irresponsibility and embrace kindness toward animals.”

The center also houses a lioness who suffered severe spinal injuries after being hit by a vehicle, receiving excellent care as well, along with a leopard cub that was abandoned by her family but given a new chance at life with proper nourishment. PM Modi praised the Vantara team for their dedication to the well-being of such animals.

Vantara has gained recognition for sheltering over 150,000 rescued and endangered animals, currently home to more than 2,000 species. During his visit to this extensive animal rehabilitation center, PM Modi explored various facilities and engaged with numerous animal species.

At Vantara’s wildlife hospital, he learned about an array of veterinary services, including MRI and CT scans, and the advanced capabilities of the ICU. The hospital boasts specialized departments like Wildlife Anesthesia, Cardiology, Nephrology, Endoscopy, Dentistry, and Internal Medicine.

In a video, PM Modi was seen interacting with and feeding several species, including Asiatic Lion cubs, a White Lion cub, and a Clouded Leopard cub, which is a rare and endangered species, as well as Caracal cubs. The White Lion cub he fed was born at the center after its mother was rescued and brought to Vantara.

Once abundant in India, Caracals are now becoming scarce. Vantara is home to a breeding program aimed at their preservation, with plans to release them back into the wild.

During his visit, PM Modi also toured the MRI room, observing an Asiatic Lion undergoing the procedure, and visited an operating theater where a Leopard was receiving life-saving surgery after being rescued from a car accident.

The facility ensures that rescued animals are housed in environments that closely resemble their natural habitats. The Prime Minister also had close encounters with various wild animals, engaging with a Golden Tiger, four Snow Tigers rescued from a circus, a White Lion, and a Snow Leopard.

He was present in the open with Chimpanzees, played with an Orangutan that previously lived in overcrowded conditions, and interacted with Hippopotamuses and crocodiles while walking among Zebras. Additionally, he fed a Giraffe and a Rhino calf.

The Prime Minister also toured the hydrotherapy pools designed for elephants recovering from arthritis and foot issues, as well as the world’s largest elephant hospital, engaging with the doctors and support staff who care for the various animals at the center.