PM Modi Inaugurates Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Anant Ambani's Vantara in Gujarat

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated the Vantara Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Centre, located in Gujarat . This state-of-the-art facility, dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation of wildlife, is home to over 1.5 lakh rescued animals. The centre’s comprehensive approach to animal welfare is set to play a significant role in preserving the country’s biodiversity.

During his visit, PM Modi toured the centre's state-of-the-art veterinary facilities, where he observed medical procedures, witnessed surgeries, and participated in conservation efforts. The Prime Minister also interacted with several rare species housed at the centre, including lions, tigers, giraffes, elephants, and parrots.

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PM Modi interacted with several rare and endangered species housed at the centre, including lions, tigers, giraffes, elephants, and parrots. The centre is designed to replicate natural habitats for the animals, ensuring their comfort and well-being. He had the opportunity to engage with Golden Tigers, Snow Leopards, and four Snow Tiger brothers, all rescued from circuses, as well as playfully interact with rescued chimpanzees and an Orangutan.

In a special moment, PM Modi also walked among the zebras, fed a giraffe, and bonded with a rhino calf who was orphaned after her mother’s death. Additionally, he observed a submerged hippopotamus, crocodiles, and a variety of reptiles, including a large python, a two-headed snake, and a two-headed turtle, highlighting the centre's wide range of rescued species.

One of the highlights of the visit was the state-of-the-art elephant hospital, which is the largest of its kind in the world. The Prime Minister also witnessed the unique hydrotherapy treatments provided to elephants suffering from arthritis and foot problems.

A Comprehensive Facility for Animal Welfare

During his visit, PM Modi also explored the center’s advanced medical facilities and looked at an MRI scan on an Asiatic lion and surgery on an injured leopard. He also interacted with several rescued animals, including lion cubs, a clouded leopard, and caracal cubs—part of a conservation initiative aimed at reviving the dwindling caracal population in India. The Prime Minister observed unique species like golden tigers, snow tigers, chimpanzees, orangutans, and even an orphaned one-horned rhino calf. His tour also included a visit to the world’s largest elephant hospital, which features hydrotherapy pools for treating arthritis and foot ailments in elephants. PM Modi’s visit underscored India’s commitment to wildlife conservation, showcasing Vantara as a model for ethical and scientific animal rehabilitation.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, PM Modi lauded the efforts that Vantara was undertaking and said, “I compliment the team at Vantara for the care given to several such animals. A lioness was hit by a vehicle with severe spinal injuries. She was getting proper care. In another instance, a leopard cub abandoned by her family got a new lease of life, with proper nutritional care.”

Besides this, PM Modi toured the centre’s advanced veterinary facilities, which are equipped with cutting-edge medical technology. The veterinary services are specialized, covering various fields such as wildlife anaesthesia, cardiology, nephrology, endoscopy, dentistry, and internal medicine.

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The Prime Minister was shown firsthand the medical care provided to rescued animals, including an Asiatic Lion undergoing an MRI and a leopard who was receiving life-saving surgery following a highway accident. These instances showcased the centre’s expertise in handling complex animal health cases.

The inauguration of Vantara Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Centre underscores the government’s ongoing commitment to wildlife conservation in India. With its modern facilities and a wide array of rescued animals, the centre is set to play a pivotal role in protecting wildlife, offering treatment and rehabilitation, and promoting conservation education across the nation.

In his address, PM Modi reiterated the importance of such initiatives in preserving India’s rich wildlife heritage and emphasized the need for collective efforts to protect endangered species. The opening of Vantara marks a significant milestone in the country’s conservation efforts and will no doubt contribute significantly to the welfare of wildlife for generations to come.

Established by Reliance Industries Ltd and Reliance Foundation, Vantara spans approximately 3,000 acres and is home to over 2,000 species, encompassing more than 150,000 rescued, endangered, and threatened animals from around the globe.