By Swastika Chowdhury
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Vantara, a groundbreaking wildlife rescue, conservation, and rehabilitation centre, on 4th March 2025, in Gujarat’s Jamnagar district.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, Nita Ambani, Anant Ambani, and Radhika Merchant who all showcased Vantara as a beacon of hope for all endangered and rescued animal species in India. Vantara is a major project that is handled by Anant Ambani with the required support from Reliance Industries and Reliance Foundation to help foster and protect India’s biodiversity.
Spanning over 3,000 acres within the Reliance Jamnagar refinery complex, Vantara is designed to provide a sanctuary for more than 1.5 lakh rescued, endangered and threatened animals across 2,000 species.
During his visit, PM Modi explored the state-of-the-art-facilities at the centre, including a cutting-edge wildlife hospital equipped with MRI machines, CT scanners, ICU and specialised departments such as wildlife anesthesia, cardiology and nephrology.
In a display of his affinity for wildlife, PM Modi was seen interacting closely with various animals rehabilitated at Vantara. Videos circulating from the event show him feeding and playing with Asiatic lion cubs and a rare clouded leopard cub born at the centre after the mother was rescued. Vantara’s facilities go beyond rescue and rehabilitation. The centre features an elephant hospital, which is known to be the world’s largest hospital, where PM Modi observed elephants enjoying hydrotherapy pools which are specifically designed to treat arthritis and foot conditions.
The inauguration comes as a part of PM Modi’s three-day visit to Gujarat, which included other engagements such as offering prayers at the Somnath Temple and chairing a meeting with the National Board for Wildlife.
His visit to Vantara, however, has captured national attention, with social media lauding over it, especially with clips of his interactions with the animals and praise for the centre’s ambitious scope.