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In a significant step towards animal welfare, Reliance Industries and Reliance Foundation have unveiled 'Vantara' in Jamnagar, Gujarat. This expansive 3,000-acre animal shelter is designed to offer rescue, treatment, care, and rehabilitation for injured, abused, and threatened animals both domestically and internationally. Spearheaded by Anant Ambani, a director at both Reliance Industries and Reliance Foundation, Vantara stands as the largest initiative of its kind globally.
Positioned within the lush 'Green Belt' of Reliance's Jamnagar Refinery Complex, Vantara replicates a natural jungle environment, providing a nurturing space for rescued species. Currently, the shelter houses over 2,000 animals, including elephants, large felines like leopards, tigers, lions, and jaguars, as well as over 3,000 herbivores and 1,200 reptiles, sourced from across India and beyond.
Anant Ambani credits his mother, Nita Ambani, as the inspiration behind this ambitious project. Recalling a childhood memory, he shared how a chance encounter with an elephant in distress led to the inception of their first rescue operation. This initial step sparked a journey towards establishing Vantara, now supported by a team of 300-400 professionals dedicated to animal welfare.
Obtaining the necessary approvals from chief wildlife wardens and the Central Zoo Authority, as mandated by the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and the Recognition Zoo Rules, 2009, Vantara operates with a commitment to legal and ethical standards in animal care. Beyond its immediate scope, the initiative aims to collaborate with the Zoo Authority of India and other governmental bodies to enhance over 150 zoos across the country through training, capacity building, and infrastructure improvements.
Anant Ambani's vision for Vantara is not just about creating a sanctuary for animals in need but also about setting a benchmark for animal care and rehabilitation across India and potentially, the world. Through its comprehensive approach and foundational ethos, Vantara exemplifies a holistic model for wildlife conservation and welfare, marking a pivotal moment in the journey towards a more compassionate and sustainable coexistence with the animal kingdom.
