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Vantara

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Vantara
Anant Ambani at Vantara with elephants
Map
22°19′35″N 69°55′27″E / 22.326517°N 69.924159°E / 22.326517; 69.924159
Date opened4 March 2025
LocationJamnagar
Land area12.14 Square Kilometer
No. of animals2000+ Animals[1]
No. of species43
Annual visitors0 (Off-Display Facility/Non-Public Access Zoo)
ManagementGreens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, Reliance Foundation
Websitehttps://vantara.in/

Vantara (Star of the Forest)[2] is a large-scale animal rescue centre, care, conservation, and rehabilitation centre established by Reliance Industries with Reliance Foundation.[3] It is located within the Reliance Jamnagar Refinery Complex in Jamnagar, Gujarat, India.

The 3,000-acre sanctuary focuses on wildlife conservation and animal welfare. It was initiated by Anant Ambani, director on the boards of Reliance Industries and Reliance Foundation.[4] Vantara was officially inaugurated by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 4 March 2025.[5] But in a May 2025 editorial in Marksmen Daily, the off-display facility was questioned as a vanity project due to its private, non-public access.[6]

As of 2025, Vantara has housed over 1.5 lakh rescued animals from more than 2000 species.[7][8][9] In recognition of its work, Vantara received the 'Prani Mitra Award' in the corporate category from the Government of India.[10][11]

History

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Anant's idea for Vantara was influenced by his mother, Nita Ambani. In an interview, He recounted an experience from his childhood when, at the age of 12, he and his family encountered an elephant in distress during a journey from Jaipur to Ranthambore. This led to the rescue of the animal, which he described as the beginning of their involvement in wildlife care. Over the decade, the effort gradually developed into a more structured initiative with scientific backing named Vantara.[12][13]

Vantara was opened on 26 February 2024 but is not yet open to the public.[14][15]

Acquisitions of Animals

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  • In 2024, Gauri was the first elephant relocated to Vantara's care facility. Previously kept in urban conditions in Rajasthan[16]. In the same year, the facility received 20 elephants from Arunachal Pradesh, where they were earlier used for logging work.[17][18] Vantara claimed that the relocation was done with approval from forest departments and followed wildlife laws, under the supervision of a court-appointed committee.[19][20][21] However, significant concerns were raised by wildlife activists and legal experts about transferring these jumbos to a far corner of the country that only superficially resembles their natural habitat.[22]

Conservancy

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Vantara was officially inaugurated on 4 March 2025[23] by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is dedicated to the rescue, treatment, care, and rehabilitation of animals.[24] The programme claims to have since "rescued over 200 elephants, and thousands of other animals, reptiles and birds from unsafe situations, including rhinos, leopards and crocodiles".[25] Despite all these, some animal rights groups in India have expressed skepticism over the privatization of the animals, along with the remote, over-developed, polluted and unsuitable nature of the reservation's location, as Jamnagar is located in a hot, arid climate and the Jamnagar Refinery, the largest oil refinery in the world, is owned by the same company and is located only a short distance away.[26]

Facilities

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The facility is equipped with modern veterinary technology, including ICU, MRI, CT scan, X-ray, ultrasound, and endoscopy units.[27]

Awards and recognitions

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Controversies

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A March 2024 investigative report by Himal Southasian[30] alleges that Vantara may be indirectly fueling the illegal global wildlife trade under the guise of conservation. The sanctuary has imported around 39,000 animals from 32 countries, including those known for trafficking, raising concerns about the legitimacy of sources and potential violations of international and Indian wildlife laws.[31] Critics question the transparency of these operations and warn that such large-scale acquisitions—especially from dubious or small-scale suppliers—could incentivize illegal wildlife capture and trade, despite Vantara's claims of legal and ethical compliance.[32] The investigative report was republished by the Pulitzer Center.[33]

As a follow-up to earlier reports scrutinizing Vantara's wildlife acquisition practices, the Delhi High Court on 19 May 2025 dismissed a contempt of court petition filed by Vantara (Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre) against the Himal Southasian. Vantara had accused Himal of violating a court order by not removing an investigative article published in March 2024. The court ruled that no such judicial directive existed, rendering the contempt allegation baseless.[34][35]

In March 2025, a coalition of 30 South African animal rights groups, under the Wildlife Animal Protection Forum of South Africa (WAPFSA), urged their government to investigate the export of wild animals to Vantara. The coalition expressed concerns over potential violations of international wildlife trade regulations, particularly regarding the sourcing of animals from South African breeding facilities. They highlighted that the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species had previously raised issues about India's compliance concerning live animal imports, including critically endangered species. Vantara refuted the allegations, stating that all animal transfers were conducted in full compliance with South African and Indian laws.[36]

Muzzling of Free Press Coverage

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Following reports on concerns raised by the WAPFSA, several Indian media outlets have taken down their articles on the matter.[37] Outlets such as Deccan Herald, The Telegraph (India), and The Tribune (India) removed their stories without explanation[38], while others like The Financial Express (India) replaced critical pieces with promotional content. Some media organizations, including Northeast Now and Vartha Bharati, reported receiving threatening emails and offers of financial incentives to delete or modify their coverage.[39]

Allegations of the Use of Animals for Private Display and Entertainment

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During the wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, allegations against Vantara suggest that it may have violated these guidelines by hosting high-profile guests as a part pre-wedding festivities[40] such as Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, and Ivanka Trump, with instances like Ivanka posing with an elephant, which critics argue prioritizes prestige over animal welfare.[41][42] While Vantara claims these tours are educational and approved by the Central Zoo Authority under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 and Recognition of Zoo Rules, 2009, the absence of concrete evidence indicating animal stress or exploitation means no formal violation has been documented. Nevertheless, the optics raise ethical concerns regarding adherence to the CZA’s mandate to prohibit entertainment-focused use of animals.[43]

References

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  1. ^ "2,000+ Animals Across 43 Species at Reliance Foundation's Vantara Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Jamnagar". News18. 2024-02-26. Archived from the original on 2024-02-29. Retrieved 2024-02-29.
  2. ^ "Vantara's Origin Story: How Anant Ambani's Project Became A Haven For The Wild". News18. Retrieved 2025-05-21.
  3. ^ "Mukesh Ambani's Son, Anant Ambani, launches 3,000-acre animal shelter 'Vantara' in Gujarat's Jamnagar: Meet the visionary behind this Reliance initiative". Financialexpress. 2024-02-28. Retrieved 2024-02-29.
  4. ^ "All about Vantara, the 3000-acre animal shelter launched by Anant Ambani in Jamnagar". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 2024-02-29. Retrieved 2024-02-29.
  5. ^ "PM Modi inaugurates Vantara in Jamnagar, feeds lion cubs, giraffes". ANI News. Retrieved 2025-03-04.
  6. ^ Karayi, Karan (2025-05-05). "Elephant in the Room: Is Vantara a Wildlife Haven or Corporate Vanity Project?". Marksmen Daily - Your daily dose of insights and inspiration. Retrieved 2025-05-22.
  7. ^ "Anant Ambani's Vantara has over 25,000 animals of 48 species". Firstpost. 2025-03-04. Retrieved 2025-05-22.
  8. ^ "In Pics | PM Modi commends Anant Ambani at the inauguration of Vantara, spends time with rescued animals - CNBC TV18". CNBCTV18. 2025-03-04. Retrieved 2025-05-22.
  9. ^ "PM Modi Inaugurates Vantara: A Safe Haven for 2,000+ Endangered Animals". Jagranjosh.com. 2025-03-04. Retrieved 2025-05-22.
  10. ^ "A Glimpse Of Vantara's Innovative, Impactful Awareness Campaigns". News18. Retrieved 2025-05-22.
  11. ^ "PM Modi inaugurates animal rescue facility Vantara, calls it 'commendable effort'". The Indian Express. 2025-03-04. Retrieved 2025-05-22.
  12. ^ "Vantara's Origin Story: How Anant Ambani's Project Became A Haven For The Wild". News18. Retrieved 2025-05-21.
  13. ^ "Influenced by Nita Ambani, Anant launches 'Vantara' animal shelter in Jamnagar | Today News". mint. 2024-02-26. Archived from the original on 2025-03-12. Retrieved 2025-05-21.
  14. ^ "Vantara a model for animal welfare: 10 things that makes it unique". Financialexpress. 2025-03-11. Retrieved 2025-05-21.
  15. ^ "MSN". www.msn.com. Retrieved 2025-05-21.
  16. ^ "Vantara unveils edutainment videos to make a difference in wildlife preservation". The Tribune. Retrieved 2025-05-22.
  17. ^ "Vantara to shelter 20 elephants rescued from exploitative logging industry". Hindustan Times. 2025-01-22. Archived from the original on 2025-02-09. Retrieved 2025-05-22.
  18. ^ "New chain-free life in Vantara for 20 elephants rescued from logging industry". Moneycontrol. Archived from the original on 2025-01-24. Retrieved 2025-05-22.
  19. ^ "20 Elephants rescued from the logging industry to find freedom in Anant Ambani's Vantara, a chain-free sanctuary". The Economic Times. 2025-01-22. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 2025-05-22.
  20. ^ Digital, N. H. (2025-01-23). "Elephants freed from logging industry to find sanctuary at Vantara". National Herald. Retrieved 2025-05-22.
  21. ^ "Vantara To Offer Chain-Free Haven For 20 Elephants Rescued From Logging Industry". News18. Retrieved 2025-05-22.
  22. ^ Karmakar, Sumir. "Assam activists question transport of 21 captive elephants to Reliance-run Vantara in Gujarat". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 2025-05-22.
  23. ^ "PM Modi inaugurates Vantara in Jamnagar, feeds lion cubs, giraffes". ANI News. Retrieved 2025-03-04.
  24. ^ "Anant Ambani's 'Vantara' all set to welcome tigers, lions from Argentina". The Economic Times. 2024-04-10. Archived from the original on 2024-04-13. Retrieved 2024-12-24.
  25. ^ "All You Need To Know About Vantara, The 3,000-Acre Animal Shelter Of Reliance". Indiatimes. 2024-02-27. Archived from the original on 2024-12-19. Retrieved 2024-12-19.
  26. ^ Prabal, A. J. (2024-04-04). "All aboard the Ambani ark at Vantara". National Herald. Archived from the original on 2024-05-25. Retrieved 2024-12-19.
  27. ^ "Anant Ambani's Vantara has over 25,000 animals of 48 species". Firstpost. 2025-03-04. Retrieved 2025-03-05.
  28. ^ Alex, Riya R (2025-02-27). "Anant Ambani's Vantara receives prestigious Prani Mitra Award for animal welfare | Company Business News". mint. Archived from the original on 2025-03-04. Retrieved 2025-03-05.
  29. ^ "Anant Ambani's Vantara wins prestigious national 'Prani Mitra' Award for excellence in animal welfare - CNBC TV18". CNBCTV18. 2025-02-27. Retrieved 2025-03-05.
  30. ^ Rajshekhar, M. (2024-03-20). "The costs of Reliance's wildlife ambitions". Himal Southasian. Retrieved 2025-05-22.
  31. ^ Mohan, Rohini (2024-03-16). "Critics not wild about private zoo set up by Indian billionaire Ambani's youngest son". The Straits Times. ISSN 0585-3923. Retrieved 2025-05-22.
  32. ^ Perinchery, Aathira (18 March 2025). "On Report of it Fuelling Illegal Wildlife Trade Worldwide, Vantara Says All Animals 'Rescued'". The Wire (India). Retrieved 22 May 2025.
  33. ^ "The Costs of Reliance's Wildlife Ambitions". Pulitzer Center. Retrieved 2025-05-22.
  34. ^ "Himal says will 'resist bid to intimidate' as HC dismisses Vantara case". Newslaundry. 2025-05-21. Retrieved 2025-05-22.
  35. ^ "Will Resist Suppression of Press Freedom, Says Himal as Delhi HC Quashes Vantara's Case". thewire.in. Retrieved 2025-05-22.
  36. ^ Sharma, Shweta (2025-03-12). "Rights group calls for investigation into Ambani's private zoo that Modi inaugurated". The Independent. Retrieved 2025-05-22.
  37. ^ "Reports critical of Ambani's Vantara vanish, news outlets get suspicious emails, legal notices". The News Minute. 2025-03-14. Retrieved 2025-05-22.
  38. ^ "Reports on Ambani's Vantara unavailable on Deccan Herald, Telegraph, The Tribune portals". Newslaundry. 2025-03-13. Retrieved 2025-05-22.
  39. ^ Majumder, Shinjinee Majumder; Sinha, Pratik (2025-03-12). "News outlets receive 'threat mails', some delete stories on concerns over Ambanis' Vantara project". Alt News. Retrieved 2025-05-22.
  40. ^ Hasan, Sadiba (2024-07-15). "What We Know About the Ambani Wedding". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2025-05-22.
  41. ^ S. Sen, Debarati. "Anant Ambani-Radhika Merchant pre-wedding: Guests to visit Vantara". Moneycontrol. Archived from the original on 2024-04-14. Retrieved 2025-05-22.
  42. ^ Balevic, Katie. "Ambani pre-wedding party guests arrived in jungle-themed attire to honor Anant Ambani's Vantara animal rescue center". Business Insider. Retrieved 2025-05-22.
  43. ^ 2025 Policy Guidelines: Placement & Management of Rescued Animals in Indian Zoo (PDF). New Delhi: Central Zoo Authority. 2025.

Further reading

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