Vantara’s significant accomplishments in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation have been achieved under the passionate leadership of Anant Bhai Ambani. Under his guidance, Vantara has become a global leader in wildlife conservation, saving thousands of animals from life-threatening situations and providing them with a safe and nurturing environment. With a skilled team of over 2,100 professionals, Vantara’s Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre has made remarkable strides in animal welfare. The Centre has successfully rescued more than 200 leopards across India, primarily those injured in road accidents or human-wildlife conflicts. Vantara has also relocated over 1,000 crocodiles from an overcrowded facility in Tamil Nadu, significantly improving their living conditions and ensuring their safety.
Vantara’s commitment to wildlife extends beyond India’s borders, undertaking complex international rescue operations. The organization has rescued animals from hunting lodges in Africa, provided sanctuary to those facing euthanasia in Slovakia, and rehabilitated severely distressed animals from facilities in Mexico. These efforts demonstrate Vantara’s global reach and dedication to animal welfare.
A recent groundbreaking achievement at Vantara involved Monimola, an elephant rescued in 2023 in a severely weakened state. During her health check, a large stone was discovered in her urinary bladder, and utilizing laser lithotripsy, Vantara’s medical team successfully broke down the stone, making Monimola the first elephant in the world to undergo this innovative treatment. Another notable rescue by Vantara was that of Pratima and her calf, Maniklal, who were found in Tripura in deplorable conditions, suffering from severe neglect and abuse. Pratima had multiple wounds, stiff limbs, blindness in one eye, and was severely underweight, while her calf was malnourished. A specialized rescue team, comprising six vehicles and 22 staff members, provided urgent medical care, and today, thanks to Vantara’s dedicated efforts, both Pratima and Maniklal are recovering well. These and many more such rescues exemplify Vantara’s commitment to saving lives and restoring health to animals in need.
Currently, Vantara cares for over 200 elephants, including Leelavati, with round-the-clock attention from a team of over 500 specialists, including veterinarians, biologists, pathologists, nutritionists, and naturalists. The Centre is equipped with advanced medical technology, such as portable x-ray machines, laser treatment devices, a fully stocked pharmacy, a pathology lab, and a hyperbaric oxygen chamber tailored for elephant care. This cutting-edge facility ensures that all animals receive the highest standard of medical attention.
In addition to animal care, Vantara has rehabilitated 450 mahouts across India, fostering sustainable livelihoods and deepening their connection with the elephants they care for. The Centre also collaborates with local farmers to grow organic fodder, meeting the elephants’ substantial dietary needs of 200 kgs of feed per day, promoting sustainability and community engagement.
As Vantara continues to lead the way in wildlife conservation, its unwavering commitment to animal welfare and rehabilitation is evident in every rescue and recovery story. Under the visionary leadership of Anant Bhai Ambani, Vantara has transformed into a global force for good, setting new standards in care and innovation. On this National Wildlife Day, Vantara reaffirms its dedication to protecting wildlife and fostering a future where every animal can live safely and thrive in its natural habitat.