Rescue, Remedy, Rehabilitation: Some Of The Many Success Stories Of Vantara
Anant Ambani’s Vantara has been awarded the Prani Mitra National Award, India’s highest honour in animal welfare, by the Government of India, in the Corporate category
Jamnagar’s Vantara welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi who visited the wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation centre housing over 1.5 lakh rescued, endangered, and threatened animals from more than 2,000 species.
At the state-of-the-art wildlife hospital, equipped with MRI, CT scan, and ICU facilities, PM Modi observed the advanced veterinary care provided, including specialised departments for wildlife anaesthesia, cardiology, nephrology, endoscopy, dentistry, and internal medicine. He also witnessed an Asiatic Lion undergoing an MRI and a leopard receiving life-saving surgery after a highway accident.
related stories
The prime minister also interacted with majestic creatures like Golden Tigers, Snow Leopards, and four Snow Tiger brothers rescued from a circus. He also shared moments with rescued chimpanzees, a playful Orangutan, and observed a submerged Hippopotamus and crocodiles apart from patting an Okapi, undertaking a walk among zebras, feeding a giraffe and a rhino calf that was orphaned as her mother died at the facility. He also saw a large python, a unique two-headed snake and a two-headed turtle.
VANTARA’S SUCCESS STORIES
Vantara, the brainchild of Anant Ambani, has been conferred with the prestigious Prani Mitra National Award by the government under the Corporate category, India’s highest honour in animal welfare. This recognition celebrates the exceptional work of the Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust (RKTEWT), a Vantara organisation dedicated to elephant rescue and care.
Housed within the Green Belt of Reliance’s Jamnagar Refinery Complex in Gujarat, Vantara aims to be one of the leading contributors to conservation efforts globally. By working with leading experts in animal care and welfare, Vantara has converted a sprawling space into a jungle-like environment that mimics the natural, enriching, lush and verdant habitat for the rescued species to thrive.
There are many success stories at Vantara, which focuses on the rescue, treatment, care and rehabilitation of injured, abused and threatened animals, both in India and abroad.
1. Pancham – Tiger
Once a ruler of the northern Indian forests, Pancham’s life took a tragic turn when human-wildlife conflict left him gravely injured. Found limping and weak, a radiograph confirmed a severe femur fracture—threatening both his mobility and survival.
Rescued and brought to Vantara, Pancham underwent a complex Open reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) surgery to stabilise his shattered bone. His recovery required intensive monitoring, physiotherapy, and a specialised diet. With time and expert care, he slowly regained his strength, each step a testament to his resilience.
2. Zimba’s Family – Wild Dogs
After a devastating bushfire destroyed their habitat, a pack of eight African wild dogs strayed towards human settlements in search of food. Two young dogs were caught in snares, leaving the entire pack vulnerable. Rescued by conservation officers, they were brought to Vantara for urgent care.
At Vantara, veterinarians treated injuries, managed malnutrition, and provided specialised care. With controlled feeding, enrichment programmes, and minimal human interaction, the pack slowly regained their strength and natural behaviours.
Though they cannot return to the wild, they now thrive in safety, serving as ambassadors for their species and raising awareness about the conservation of African wild dogs.
3. Rhino
Found beside his mother’s lifeless body, the rhino was a frail, orphaned calf on the brink of survival. Too young to fend for himself, he cried out in hunger and fear, his chances slipping away.
Rescued by Vantara, a dedicated team of veterinarians and caregivers provided him with life-saving colostrum, a meticulously formulated milk replacer, and round-the-clock care. Gentle mud baths hydrated his skin, probiotics strengthened his fragile gut, and his caregivers became his surrogate family—offering comfort, security, and even mimicking rhino sounds to ease his loneliness.
As he grew stronger, the animal was introduced to an older orphaned rhino who became his guide. Today, he thrives—not just as a survivor, but as a symbol of resilience and hope, proving that with compassion and expert care, even the most vulnerable can find their strength again.
4. Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune – Lions
Born into captivity, these eight lions never knew the wild. They were bred for a fate they never chose—to be hunted for sport, their lives reduced to mere trophies. Behind fences, they lived in silence, never knowing what it meant to chase, to roar, to be truly free.
Then came the day everything changed. Rescued by Vantara, they were given a second chance—a life they had never imagined. For the first time, they felt the earth beneath their paws, the wind ruffling their manes, the warmth of the sun unfiltered by bars. Slowly, they learnt what it meant to be lions, no longer prisoners, but brothers.
Today, they roam their vast new home, their bond unbreakable, their roars echoing not in fear, but in freedom. Their story is not just their own—it is a voice for the thousands still trapped in the hunting trade. A reminder that every life, no matter how caged, deserves a chance to run free.
5. Tatiya– Spider Monkey
Rescued from the illegal pet trade, Tatiya was among 20 spider monkeys found in dire conditions—some abandoned, others confiscated from private homes and roadside attractions. Orphaned at a young age, torn from their mothers, many of them bore deep social and psychological scars. When found, Tatiya was severely malnourished and isolated, showing signs of extreme stress and dependence on humans.
Brought to Vantara, he and his companions received critical medical care, proper nutrition, and a safe environment to heal. Though years of captivity had left them unfit for release, they were introduced to a naturalistic enclosure, allowing them to form social bonds and rediscover their instincts. Over time, they relearned to climb, forage, and communicate—embracing a new life within a protected setting.
6. Farida – Okapi
For years, Farida endured silent suffering. Struggling with severe lameness, she could stand for only six hours before pain forced her to the ground. When Vantara stepped in, they discovered she was not just in distress—she was heavily pregnant. Her survival, and that of her unborn calf, depended on urgent intervention.
With meticulous care, Vantara’s team combined advanced medical treatments, therapeutic care, and a specialised nutrition plan to ease her suffering while safeguarding her pregnancy. Then, against all odds, Farida defied expectations—giving birth to not one, but two healthy twin calves, an extraordinarily rare event for okapis.
Despite her ongoing battle with lameness, Farida nurtured her calves naturally, feeding them for 13 months—making her the first mother in the world to successfully rear twin okapis. Her strength and resilience became a symbol of hope, proving that with the right care, even the most fragile lives can flourish.
7. Two-toed Sloths
Rescued from habitat destruction, electrocution, and the illegal pet trade, these vulnerable Two-toed Sloths were brought to Vantara for specialised care. Many arrived injured, dehydrated, or suffering from malnutrition, their slow and delicate nature making them especially vulnerable to human-induced threats.
At Vantara, a team of expert veterinarians and caregivers provided round-the-clock medical attention, nutrition, and enrichment to help them regain their strength. Customised enclosures mimicked their natural treetop habitat, allowing them to climb, rest, and move at their own pace while receiving the best possible care.
8. Aardvark
Mistaken for a creature of legend during a rare lunar eclipse, these aardvarks became the target of local superstition. Their nocturnal habits, powerful claws, and burrowing behaviour fuelled fear, putting their life at risk.
At Vantara, expert veterinarians and caregivers provided specialised care, ensuring the aardvarks received proper nutrition, medical attention, and an environment that supported their natural behaviours. Slowly, they regained their strength and confidence in a safe and enriched habitat.
9. Raja, Rani and Radha: Colobus Monkeys
Rescued from habitat destruction and human-wildlife conflict, a male and two female colobus monkeys were in urgent need of care and rehabilitation. Displaced and distressed, they faced an uncertain future until Vantara intervened.
At Vantara, expert veterinarians and caregivers provided specialised care, ensuring their safe transfer to a specially designed habitat that mimics their natural forest environment. With ample space to leap across branches, engage in social grooming, and forage naturally, they slowly regained their confidence and well-being.
10. Pinky & Jaggu: Pygmy Hippopotamuses
Rescued from inadequate living conditions at the foreign zoo, Pinky and Jaggu suffered from stress and skin infections caused by prolonged exposure to a small, stagnant pond. With limited space and insufficient aquatic areas, their health and well-being steadily declined, making urgent intervention necessary.
At Vantara, they were provided with expert veterinary care, hydration support, dietary adjustments, and a carefully managed acclimatisation process. Their new naturalistic enclosure features a life-supporting water system with ozone and UV filtration, ensuring fresh, clean water throughout the day. With ample space to swim and socialise, they have regained their strength and vitality.
11. Meenu – The Giant Otter
Rescued from the illegal pet trade, Meenu was confined to a small cage with inadequate food and water, leading to a severe renal infection. Unbeknownst to her captors, she was also in the early stages of pregnancy. Her health deteriorated rapidly until Vantara’s team intervened, providing urgent medical care, including antibiotics and supportive therapy.
Under expert treatment, Meenu made a full recovery and, in a remarkable turn of events, later gave birth to two healthy pups. Now, she thrives in a naturalistic environment at Vantara, where she enjoys clean, filtered water enriched with an advanced ozone and UV filtration system.
12. Raja & Sapna – Malayan Tapirs
Rescued as orphans from a congested captive animal facility, Raja and Sapna, a young pair of Malayan tapirs, found refuge at Vantara. As the largest and most endangered of the four tapir species, they face severe threats from habitat degradation and human activities, pushing them closer to extinction.
At Vantara, they thrive in an environment designed to mimic their natural rainforest habitat, complete with lush vegetation, ample space, and freshwater sources. Their specialised care focuses on promoting well-being and supporting breeding efforts to aid in conservation.
13. Brazilian Tapirs
They were rescued from a congested captive animal facility. As a vital species in maintaining forest ecosystems, their survival is crucial, yet they continue to face habitat loss and hunting pressures.
At Vantara, they now enjoy a carefully curated environment, abundant in natural foraging opportunities and water sources, essential for their well-being. Through expert veterinary care and enrichment, they are regaining their strength and adapting to their new home.
14. Chimps
Rescued from unimaginable suffering, these chimpanzees arrived at Vantara from facilities where they had endured years of abuse. Confined to cramped, dark rooms, many were victims of the illegal pet trade, bushmeat trade, and even substance abuse, leaving them physically and emotionally scarred.
Now, at Vantara, they receive the care they deserve. Spacious, enriched enclosures allow them to climb, forage, and interact naturally. Veterinary care, social integration, and behavioural therapy help them regain their instincts, offering them a new opportunity at life.
15. Orangutans
These orphaned orangutans lost their families due to habitat destruction and human activities, leaving them vulnerable and struggling for survival without their mothers.
Here, they receive round-the-clock care, tailored nutrition, and specialised rehabilitation, just like human infants. Carefully designed programmes ensure they do not imprint on their caretakers, allowing them to develop the necessary skills for potential reintroduction into their natural habitat.
16. Bongos
Bongos, one of the most strikingly beautiful antelopes, face an uncertain future due to habitat loss and poaching. Vantara focuses on preserving this endangered species by maintaining a strong genetic pool and ensuring their long-term survival.
Vantara recently celebrated the birth of two bongo calves, a crucial step for conservation. One of these calves, rejected by his mother after a difficult delivery, is now being hand-reared by expert caretakers. Through constant monitoring, specialised feeding, and medical care, Vantara is ensuring this calf gets the best start in life.
17. Dama Gazelles
With fewer than 100 individuals left in the wild, the critically endangered Dama gazelle faces an alarming risk of extinction due to habitat destruction, climate change, and poaching. The rescued trio at Vantara represents hope for the survival of this species.
At Vantara, they receive expert veterinary care, specialised nutrition, and a protected environment where they can thrive. Additionally, Vantara has developed state-of-the-art genetic and cryopreservation laboratories to aid in future rewilding and conservation efforts.
18. Cape Fur Seals
Vantara was called upon to rescue 20 orphaned Cape Fur Seal pups in Southern Africa, who were left vulnerable after losing their mothers. These malnourished pups were struggling to survive, requiring immediate action. At the same time, Vantara intervened to stop ruthless hunters targeting the seals for their genitals, believed to have medicinal properties, further endangering the species.
Vantara’s team of conservationists and veterinarians, in collaboration with local authorities, quickly mobiliesd to rescue the seals. The pups and adult seals were transported to Vantara’s rehabilitation centre, where they received around-the-clock care, including feeding, medical treatment, and socialisation, allowing them to regain strength and health in a safe environment.
19. Reptiles
A large-scale illegal wildlife trade involving animal skins, such as crocodile, snake, and monitor lizard, thrives despite strict laws. High-end establishments, including hotels and boutiques, are complicit in trafficking these products. Covert investigations by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) revealed the widespread sale of prohibited skins.
In response, Vantara created the KC-2 Reptile Area to provide sanctuary for reptiles rescued from this illegal trade. The facility offers specialised care and rehabilitation, ensuring the animals are protected and given the opportunity to recover in a secure environment.
20. Giraffes
Three giraffes, rescued from an entertainment facility struggling with post-COVID financial constraints, arrived at Vantara in a state of severe malnutrition and physiological distress. Years of inadequate care had left them with weakened musculoskeletal health, poor coat quality, and lethargy, making immediate intervention crucial for their survival.
At Vantara, a team of veterinarians and animal nutritionists designed individualised dietary plans, introducing high-fibre, nutrient-rich forage, along with essential mineral and vitamin supplements. They were placed in a specially designed mega paddock that replicated their natural savanna habitat, allowing them to move freely, forage naturally, and regain their strength and coordination. Over time, their coats improved, and they became more active and engaged with their environment.
21. Baby Herbivores
During rescue operations, several pregnant herbivores arrived at Vantara in advanced stages of pregnancy, requiring specialised care and monitoring to ensure safe deliveries. Despite the team’s best efforts, some of the newborns were rejected by their mothers and needed immediate intervention for their survival.
Vantara’s expert rehabilitation team implemented a structured hand-rearing program, providing round-the-clock feeding with species-specific milk formulas and using temperature-controlled incubators to regulate warmth.
Carefully designed enclosures promoted muscle development and environmental exploration. As the juveniles grew stronger, they gained confidence and readiness for eventual integration into secure natural habitats.
Vantara’s commitment to advanced wildlife rehabilitation ensures even the most vulnerable animals receive the highest standard of care, preparing them for successful reintroduction into the wild.
22. Giant Anteaters and Tamanduas
Rescued from the illegal game meat trade, several giant anteaters and tamanduas arrived at Vantara in critical condition. Suffering from deep lacerations, infections, and severe malnutrition, they were in urgent need of intensive care and intervention.
At Vantara, a specialised rehabilitation protocol was implemented, including a nutritious diet tailored to their needs. Enclosures designed to mimic their natural habitats allowed them to engage in natural behaviours like foraging and burrowing. Over time, these anteaters and tamanduas regained their strength, agility, and natural instincts, thriving in a protected environment that closely resembled their wild homes.
23. Red Pandas
In an effort to enhance the welfare of red pandas, Vantara relocated several individuals from overcrowded captive animal facilities, recognising the challenges of providing an ideal habitat for these specialised species.
Red pandas require precise climatic conditions and specific dietary needs, making their relocation essential for their long-term well-being.
At Vantara, a habitat was meticulously recreated to simulate the red panda’s natural high-altitude environment. Advanced environmental controls maintained the perfect temperature, humidity, and vegetation, while their diets were tailored with fresh bamboo and seasonal fruits. The red pandas now thrive in this carefully managed space, contributing to global conservation efforts and ensuring their health and safety.
Vantara’s dedication to providing species-specific care and habitat recreation plays a vital role in preserving the red panda population and supporting ex-situ conservation initiatives.
24. White Rhinos
Facing severe threats from illegal horn trade and deforestation, white rhinos required immediate intervention for their protection. With poaching driving their numbers down, Vantara launched urgent rescue missions to relocate and protect these near-threatened species.
Through expert care and relocation, Vantara ensured the rhinos’ safety from poaching and provided them with secure, protected habitats. This rescue effort is part of the global fight against wildlife trafficking and the preservation of ancient species like the white rhino, which are crucial to maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
25. Leopard (Large OT)
A recently rescued leopard, brought in due to human-wildlife conflict, is undergoing a comprehensive physical examination. Unfortunately, the animal has been deemed unfit for release. To ensure responsible management at the rescue centre, the leopard will undergo a vasectomy to prevent breeding. To mitigate the risks of repeated anaesthesia, the team is conducting a full health check-up, including an echocardiogram, during the same procedure.
26. Tiger Cub (CT Scan)
This tiger cub was the sole survivor of a tragic human-wildlife conflict that resulted in the loss of his mother and two siblings. He was rescued with a severe femur fracture and has also been suffering from malnutrition. Now, the cub is undergoing a CT scan to assess the healing of his fracture and evaluate his bone strength. This scan will help guide the treatment plan to ensure optimal recovery.
27. Arctic Wolf (MRI)
This recently rescued Arctic wolf arrived in poor condition, suffering from severe dehydration and prerenal azotaemia. After receiving treatment for kidney insufficiency, he is showing promising signs of recovery. An MRI will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the treatment and help assess his progress.
- Location :
- First Published: