Nestled in the arid landscape of Jamnagar, the Vantara is redefining the ways of animal conservation, and rescue in India. The projects in Vantara, meaning ‘Star Of Forest’, spearheaded by Anant Ambani, Executive Director of Reliance Industries, is a testament to his commitment to wildlife enrichment and environmental stewardship. It is here that 1.5 lakh animals have found a sanctuary with many of them escaping abuse and neglect. 

Anand Ambani has created this after opening a smaller shelter home for animals in Mumbai. It goes on to show his deep-rooted commitment and love towards the wildlife. His passion is now driving the development of the world’s largest rescue, conservation, and rehabilitation center. Reliance Industries in close association with Reliance Foundation has developed this project. For the uninitiated, the Reliance Foundation is one of India’s largest non-profit organizations which was founded by Mukesh Ambani in the year 2010. 

A Family Effort 

Ever since Anant saw animals as kindred spirits. He takes inspiration from his mother, Nita Ambani, and finds joy in animal conservation. Anant took his first step toward animal conservation at the age of 12 when he noticed an elephant walking weirdly during the peak of summer. It is then that he told his mother that he wants to rescue it. His mother helped him rescue the elephant and since then his journey toward conservation, including some of the most endangered ones, began. 

That slow but consciously building journey has turned into Vantara today. Anant claims that his father is one of the biggest wildlife buffs, recalling his summer holidays to various sanctuaries and wildlife parks. He was also taught that taking care of the voiceless animals is the greatest service and virtuous task. It can earn a person a great deal of merit.  

Build On Four Pillars 

Vantara has rescued over 2,000 species of animals till today. The project is deeply rooted in concepts of innovation and sustainability. Anant’s dream project is showing the world how to treat the displaced, endangered, and abandoned species. 

Vantara is build around 4 pillars : Resue, rehabilitation, revival, and rewilding. Each of these areas contributes significantly to the growth of the sanctuary. The sanctuary has integrated cutting-edge veterinary care through several research facilities. It includes MRI, ICU, X-ray, CT Scan, ultrasound, and endoscopy units, making Vantara a safe haven for animals to inhabitat lifelong. 

At the Vantara, every rescued animal receives care, dignity, and protection. Every year, a lot of animals die, meet with accidents, or attack human beings in rural areas. Many of these animals also get captured. This is where Vantara steps in by rescuing these animals. 

The state-of-the-art ambulances travel to every corner of India and in some parts globally to receive these captured or abandoned animals. The bigger cat species like lions, tigers, and cheetahs, which were rescued are now a part of the big cat rescue center. In Vantara, these species, roam under the care of expert veterinarians and wildlife specialists

A Robust Project 

Vantara has often partnered with the local government and NGOs to rescue wildlife. However, its robust projects expand beyond national boundaries, as it has collaborated with organizations like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The partnerships help in sharing efforts, implementing best practices in wildlife conservation, and enhancing conservation efforts. 

For its exemplary effort towards wildlife, Vantara has received the ‘Prani Mitra’ National Award from the Government of India. The accolade underlines the sanctuary’s pivotal role in advancing animal care and conservation in the country. 

Environmental Challenges 

One of the major challenges that Vantara has faced is related to the environment in Jamnagar. Although a noble project, its proximity to the Jamnagar refinery and the arid area have been criticized. In the recent past, critics have argued that the well-being of the animals could be impacted and questioned the sustainability of the sanctuary’s operations. 

To answer the critics, Vantara has displayed its commitment to a self-sustaining environment via habitat restoration, afforestation, and stringent environmental monitoring.It also plans to expand the rescue operations, developing the research facilities, to mark itself as a global center for wildlife conservation.

However, it still has no plans to opening to the public. Follow us for more updates.