SC relief for Vantara: What this world-class wildlife centre does

Located in Gujarat's Jamnagar district, Vantara is designed as an ecosystem that rescues animals from circuses, captivity, illegal trade or accidents.

The Supreme Court on Monday said that the acquisition of animals at Vantara in Jamnagar was within the regulatory framework as it accepted the report by a Special Investigation Team (SIT).

The top court had constituted the SIT on August 25 to conduct a fact-finding inquiry against Vantara, a global wildlife rescue and rehabilitation organization under the Reliance Foundation.

What is Vantara?

Launched in 2024 by Anant Ambani under Reliance Industries and Reliance Foundation, Vantara, spanning 3,000 acres, is home to over 2,000 species and more than 1.5 lakh rescued and endangered animals.

Located in Gujarat's Jamnagar district, Vantara is designed as an ecosystem that rescues animals from circuses, captivity, illegal trade or accidents.

It also provides long-term rehabilitation to animals with enclosures mirroring natural habitats and conservation programs focused on reintroducing species like caracals, once common in India but now rare.

Its initiatives span major conservation priorities such as the Asiatic Lion, Snow Leopard and One-Horned Rhinoceros, while also focusing on less visible endangered species like the slender loris, vultures and the Great Indian Bustard.

Vantara also boasts of state-of-the-art facilities that are found nowhere in the world.

It houses Asia’s first wildlife hospital equipped with MRI and CT scans for animals, alongside the world’s largest quarantine centre for rescued wildlife.

The sanctuary also runs specialised rescue hubs for leopards, with over 300 under care, and elephants, numbering more than 250.

It also has Asia’s largest veterinary pharmacy, supported by a fleet of 75 ambulances for rapid response, and a record of over 250 successful international rescue operations.

From robotic laser surgeries to chemotherapy, its treatments mirror the standards of the best human hospitals.

All of this is set against a sprawling green cover of 25 million trees and powered by a workforce of 3,500 veterinarians, researchers, and caregivers dedicated to animal welfare.

Vantara often collaborates with organisations such as the IUCN and WWF, aligning with international conservation standards while tailoring programs for India’s biodiversity. Its ambition is not only to heal and protect but also to position India as a leader in global conservation science.