Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Anant Ambani, Director at Reliance Industries, has embarked on a grand endeavour to establish the world's largest zoo, along with an animal rescue and rehabilitation centre.
On February 26, Reliance Industries and Reliance Foundation unveiled the Vantara (Star of the Forest) programme, aimed at rescuing, treating, caring for, and rehabilitating injured, abused, and threatened animals, both domestically and internationally. Spanning 3,000 acres within the Green Belt of Reliance's Jamnagar Refinery Complex in Gujarat, Vantara seeks to become a leading contributor to global conservation efforts.
Anant Ambani attributes his inspiration for the initiative to his family's deep-rooted love for animals, particularly citing his parents' influence. He emphasized that what began as a personal passion has evolved into a mission with Vantara and its dedicated team.
Vantara's overarching objective is to protect critically endangered species native to India, restore vital habitats, and address urgent threats to species survival. The program also aims to establish itself as a pioneering conservation initiative.
Vantara boasts a dedicated centre for elephants and accommodations for various other large and small species, including lions, tigers, crocodiles, and leopards. The infrastructure includes scientifically designed enclosures, hydrotherapy pools, water bodies, and specialized amenities like a large elephant jacuzzi for arthritis treatment.
The Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre features a sprawling 1 Lakh square foot hospital and medical research centre. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including ICU, MRI, CT scan, X-ray, and ultrasound, the facility ensures comprehensive medical care for the animals.
Vantara houses a specialized kitchen spanning over 14,000 square feet, dedicated to preparing curated diets tailored to the specific needs of each elephant, including oral health requirements. The centre also employs Ayurvedic techniques for elephant care, with round-the-clock support from Ayurveda practitioners.
Vantara aims to collaborate with the Zoo Authority of India and other relevant government organizations to enhance the standards of all 150-plus zoos in India. Through training, capacity building, and infrastructure development, the initiative seeks to elevate animal care standards across the country.
Anant Ambani envisions Vantara as a beacon of hope globally, showcasing how forward-thinking institutions can contribute to global biodiversity conservation initiatives. With its ambitious goals and comprehensive approach, Vantara aims to make a significant impact on animal welfare and conservation efforts worldwide.