The Vantara programme for wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, conceived by RIL and Reliance Foundation Director Anant Ambani, is a unique project, true to the size and scale that the foundation is traditionally known for.
The initiative has huge plans to take the wellness initiatives beyond Jamnagar, says Anant Ambani. "Vantara aims to partner with the Zoo Authority of India and other relevant government organisations in improving all the 150-plus zoos in India in terms of training, capacity building and animal care infrastructure. We hope Vantara becomes a beacon of hope globally and can showcase how a forward-thinking institution can help the global biodiversity conservation initiatives," he adds.
Vantara programme focuses on rescue, treatment, care and rehabilitation of injured, abused and threatened animals, both from India and abroad. Here are some quick metrics to size up the expanse of the project.
Area
The centre is spread over 3,000 acres, within the green belt of Reliance’s Jamnagar Refinery Complex in Gujarat, with over 2000+ animals across 43 species under its care.
Rescued Animals
In the last few years, the programme has rescued more than 200 elephants, and thousands of other animals, reptiles and birds from unsafe situations.
Elephant Centre
Vantara's Centre for Elephants is providing shelter to over 200 elephants, cared for round-the-clock by over 500 people including veterinarians, biologists, pathologists, nutritionists and naturalists. The Centre has a 25,000 square feet elephant hospital, which is one of the largest such facility anywhere in the world. The Centre also has a special kitchen of over 14,000 square feet dedicated to preparing a curated diet for each elephant, Reliance Foundation said.
Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre
Other wild animals that were with circuses across India or in congested zoos, a Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre of spread over 650 acres within the Jamnagar refinery has also been set up. The staff strength of about 200 takes care of 200 rescued leopards, 1000 crocodiles, among other wild animals and reptiles. This facility has a one lakh square foot hospital & medical research centre as well, according to the statement issued by Reliance Foundation.
Vantara Ecosystem
The initiative has been set up to offer a better life and hope to over 200 elephants, more than 300 large felines such as leopards, tigers, lions, jaguars etc., and 300 herbivores including deer, and over 1200 reptiles like crocodiles, snakes, and turtles.
Also Read | All you need to know about Greens Zoological, Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre
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