Vanatara Zoo: transfer of elephant Madhuri (Mahadevi) from Kolhapur to Jamnagar

Regarding Vanatara Zoo:

Vantara, which translates to Star of the Forest, is a private, non-profit wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility.

Created by the Reliance Foundation, this initiative is headed by Anant Ambani as a charitable effort under Reliance Industries.

Positioned within the Jamnagar Refinery Township, Gujarat, covering 3,500 acres in Motikhavdi village, Jamnagar district.

Launched: March 2025

Mission: To offer treatment, protection, and restoration for neglected, wounded, and sheltered animals.

Main Characteristics of Vantara:

Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (GZRRC): Spans approximately 650 acres featuring specific habitats for large cats, reptiles, avians, and plant-eating animals.

Specialized Elephant Facility: Furnished with hydrotherapy pools, diagnostic systems, and rehabilitation areas.

In-House Infrastructure: On-site animal transport systems, isolation areas, and CCTV-monitored facilities for specialized species care.

Restricted Entry: Not a wildlife reserve or zoo. Created for saving lives, not for leisure. Limited educational tours may be contemplated in the future.

Species Diversity: Hosts over 150,000 animals from 2,000 species, such as elephants, rhinoceroses, alligators, leopards, and rare birds.

Conservation Importance:

India's first-ever: The largest privately operated center for animal welfare and biodiversity rescue.

Corporate Animal Welfare Framework: Awarded Prani Mitra Award by the Animal Welfare Board of India