Reliance Industries (RIL) and Reliance Foundation unveiled the Vantara (Star of the Forest) programme on Monday, February 26. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive support for the rescue, treatment, and rehabilitation of animals facing injury, abuse, or threats — within India and internationally.
Spanning 3,000 acres within the green belt of Reliance’s Jamnagar Refinery Complex in Gujarat, the Vantara initiative marks the first-of-its-kind effort in India.
Within the premises, a rescue and rehabilitation centre spanning more than 650 acres has been established. The programme has rescued over 200 elephants, and thousands of other animals, reptiles, and birds from unsafe situations over the last few years. It has also taken initiatives in species including rhinoceros, leopard, and crocodile rehabilitation.
Marsh crocodile Kavita faced a critical situation due to neglected husbandry practices, resulting in a severe upper jaw infection and the inability to eat.
The rescue centre’s team swiftly implemented medicated therapy to stabilise her condition.
After restoring her health, they performed a delicate surgery to provide Kavita with a prosthetic jaw.
Under careful observation, Kavita made remarkable progress and resumed normal feeding habits with a restored appetite.
The Vantara programme has worked with international organisations such as the Venezuelan National Foundation of Zoos and associated with reputable organisations worldwide such as the Smithsonian and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
In India, it collaborates with the National Zoological Park, Assam State Zoo, Nagaland Zoological Park, Sardar Patel Zoological Park, etc.
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 in.
The initiative has been conceptualised and birthed under the passionate leadership of Anant Ambani, director on the boards of RIL and Reliance Foundation.
Anant is getting ready for pre-wedding festivities with his fiancee Radhika Merchant from March 1 to March 3 in Gujarat’s Jamnagar, where the biggest names from the worlds of business, entertainment, and sports are among the invitees.
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