Vanatara Zoo
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: NIE
Context: Maharashtra CM held a meeting with the Vantara team over public outrage on the relocation of elephant Madhuri (Mahadevi) from Kolhapur to Jamnagar.
About Vanatara Zoo:
• Vantara (meaning Star of the Forest) is a private, non-commercial wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre.
• Developed by the Reliance Foundation, it is led by Anant Ambani as a philanthropic initiative under Reliance Industries.
• Location: Located inside the Jamnagar Refinery Township, Gujarat, spanning 3,500 acres in Motikhavdi village, Jamnagar district.
• Inaugurated: March 2025
• Mission: To provide care, conservation, and rehabilitation for injured, abandoned, and rescued animals.
• Key Features of Vantara:
• Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (GZRRC): Covers around 650 acres with dedicated enclosures for big cats, reptiles, birds, and herbivores. Specialised Elephant Centre: Equipped with hydrotherapy pools, imaging systems, and recovery zones. In-House Infrastructure: On-campus animal transport systems, quarantine zones, and CCTV-monitored enclosures for species-specific care. No Public Access: Not a zoo or safari park. Designed for rescue, not recreation. Future limited educational tours may be considered. Species Diversity: Houses 1.5 lakh+ animals across 2,000 species, including elephants, rhinos, crocodiles, leopards, and exotic birds.
• Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (GZRRC): Covers around 650 acres with dedicated enclosures for big cats, reptiles, birds, and herbivores.
• Specialised Elephant Centre: Equipped with hydrotherapy pools, imaging systems, and recovery zones.
• In-House Infrastructure: On-campus animal transport systems, quarantine zones, and CCTV-monitored enclosures for species-specific care.
• No Public Access: Not a zoo or safari park. Designed for rescue, not recreation. Future limited educational tours may be considered.
• Species Diversity: Houses 1.5 lakh+ animals across 2,000 species, including elephants, rhinos, crocodiles, leopards, and exotic birds.
• Conservation Significance:
• First-of-its-Kind in India: Largest privately managed facility for animal welfare and biodiversity rescue. Corporate Animal Welfare Model: Received Prani Mitra Award from the Animal Welfare Board of India
• First-of-its-Kind in India: Largest privately managed facility for animal welfare and biodiversity rescue.
• Corporate Animal Welfare Model: Received Prani Mitra Award from the Animal Welfare Board of India