When Anant Ambani first encountered that injured elephant years ago, little did he know his chance act of compassion would blossom into India’s largest animal welfare initiative. Today, the Vantara animal kingdom has rescued thousands of animals and continues expanding its operations across Jamnagar under Ambani’s steadfast vision. But how exactly did this vast wildlife kingdom develop from humble beginnings? Read on for an in-depth exploration of Vantara’s fascinating origins, extensive facilities, and long-term goals.
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The Early Days of Vantara Animal Kingdom
The story of Vantara Ambani begins over a decade ago, with a chance encounter on a highway near Ranthambore. A young Anant Ambani, director of Reliance Industries, spotted an injured elephant struggling in the heat and wished to help it.
Along with his mother, Nita Ambani, a lifelong champion of animal welfare causes, they rescued the elephant – thus starting their journey in animal conservation. Initially, they had no real expertise but learned from experience.
“Boond boond se sagar banta hai (drop by drop leads to an ocean)” was their motto – great things come from small beginnings. This incident sparked Reliance’s animal welfare initiative.
Where is Anant Ambani Animal Welfare Centre located?
Vantara Animal Kingdom is within the 3000-acre “Green Belt” of Reliance’s Jamnagar Oil Refinery in Gujarat. Ambani selected Jamnagar for its weather and extensive open areas that are great for creating habitats for wildlife. He and a team of experts transformed this space into a sanctuary that mirrored a jungle, providing a nurturing environment for rescued animals to thrive in surroundings that mimic their habitat.
Reliance’s Animal Welfare Initiative
Reliance Foundation unveiled Vantara in 2024, marking India’s initiative for animal rescue, care, conservation, and rehabilitation overseen by Ambani. Spanning over 3000 acres, Vantara Ambani strives to play a role in conservation endeavors. It focuses on best-in-class facilities, including healthcare and research centers and works closely with organizations like IUCN and WWF. Vantara seeks to partner with ZAI to improve animal welfare standards across India’s 150+ zoos. Read Significance of Elephants in Indian Culture
Focus on Elephant Care
Anant Ambani Animal Welfare Centre is home to over 200 elephants, the largest population under care in the world. Its elephant facilities include several unique features. A specialized kitchen prepares scientifically formulated diets. Hydrotherapy pools, shelters and day/night enclosures ensure elephants remain active and mentally stimulated.
An elephant hospital with advanced amenities like an ICU and operation theatre provides world-class medical care. Various innovations like an elephant arthritis treatment. Vantara elephant caretakers number over 500 – a proper model for optimal elephant welfare.
Growing by Helping Others
In addition to numerous Indian species, Reliance’s animal welfare initiative has rescued and rehabilitated animals from unfortunate situations abroad. For example, it temporarily assisted Central American zoos by accepting several large species.
All international rescues strictly follow legal protocols. Vantara aims to establish a global network and share expertise with other animal welfare organizations worldwide. Its growing reputation promises to facilitate many more international rescues and collaborative efforts in future.
Conserving India’s Wildlife
The Vantara animal kingdom nurtures various indigenous species facing population declines or other threats. For example, its state-of-the-art leopard and tiger facilities house over 300 big cats. Comprehensive care helps overcome human-animal conflict issues.
The crocodile center conserves three native crocodilian species. Other areas house diverse herbivores, birds and reptiles. Collaborations with research institutions pursue the scientific conservation of India’s natural heritage.
Continuing to Grow By Leaps and Bounds
Vantara has already saved more than 2000 animals since it was established. Its team comprises experts in veterinary science, animal behavior and wildlife biology. Plans include expanding veterinary medical research and training local communities in conservation.
Through innovative regional projects, Ambani aims to establish Vantara as a pioneering global model for community-based conservation. Beyond traditional zoo functions, this wildlife kingdom will develop novel solutions and raise the bar for animal welfare worldwide. Read Top Wildlife Sanctuaries in India
Educational & Awareness Efforts
While expanding rehabilitation efforts, Reliance’s animal welfare initiative also focuses heavily on public education. It conducts regular activities like:
- Public Tours: Daily educational tours make people aware of various species while sensitizing them to animal sentience and welfare.
- School Visits: Customized tours teach children compassionate coexistence with wildlife from a young age.
- Annual Festivals: Wildlife Week, Earth Day, and Animal Day are marked by knowledge-sharing seminars with experts to drive change.
Vantara Ambani strives to make animal-friendly public values a norm rather than an exception by triggering cultural shifts across various demographics.
Towards A Compassionate Coexistence
Anant Ambani Animal Welfare Centre exemplifies how private-public partnerships, compassionate leadership, and expertise can achieve miraculous transformation. Within a few short years, Anant Ambani’s dream has developed into India’s premier hub of wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and research through perseverance and teamwork.
Now home to thousands of happily rehabilitating inhabitants, Vantara is living up to its name as a ‘star in the forest.’ With Reliance’s strong commitment and global goodwill, this unique sanctuary promises many more amazing successes in safeguarding our planet’s species for generations.