'Acted on Court's direction': Vantara issues clarification over relocation of elephant 'Madhuri' from Kolhapur

Vantara on Wednesday issued a clarification over the relocation of the 36-year-old female elephant Madhuri and said it acted on the directives of the Supreme Court and Bombay High Court.

Madhuri was shifted from Nandani Jain Math in Kolhapur to the Vantara Sanctuary in Gujarat’s Jamnagar after the Supreme Court order upheld the Bombay High Court decision regarding her relocation.

The Bombay HC acted on a complaint filed by PETA in 2023, saying that she was unwell and had been moved illegally at least 13 times between 2012 and 2023. Madhuri's removal from the Jain Math led to protests from devotees and local leaders.

Vantara said that it respects the religious and cultural sentiments attached to Madhuri, and they were willing to support any legal application made for her return.

“At no stage did Vantara initiate or recommend the relocation, nor was there any intent to interfere with religious practice or sentiment,” the statement read.

The statement proposed to build a satellite rehabilitation centre for Madhuri in Kolhapur’s Nandani area, subject to court approval. The proposed facility would include chain-free enclosures, hydrotherapy pools, veterinary care, and enrichment spaces designed for Madhuri’s long-term well-being.

“If our involvement, despite being carried out solely under legal instructions, has caused any distress to the Jain community or the people of Kolhapur, we express our sincere regret. Michhami Dukkadam—if any hurt was caused through thought, word, or deed, knowingly or unknowingly, we seek your forgiveness,” the statement further said.

Additionally, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis met Vantara officials and said that they will be joining Maharashtra government’s petition for return of Madhuri.

I had an extensive discussion with The Vantara team today in Mumbai. Good news is that they assured me that they are happy to join Maharashtra Government’s petition before the Hon’ble Supreme Court for the smooth passage of the elephant 🐘 ‘Madhuri’ back to the Math. Vantara told… pic.twitter.com/X75AsYrOIb

— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) August 6, 2025