PM Modi inaugurates and visits Vantara: India’s largest haven for rescued wildlife

As wildlife faces increasing threats from habitat destruction and climate change, large-scale conservation efforts are more crucial than ever. Taking a significant step in this direction, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Vantara, the world’s largest animal rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation centre, in Gujarat.Spread across 3,500 acres, the facility serves as a refuge for over 1.5 lakh rescued, endangered, and threatened animals, offering them expert care and a natural environment to thrive.
During his visit, PM Modi explored the centre’s key facilities and closely interacted with its animal inhabitants. He fed Asiatic Lion cubs, a White Lion cub, a Clouded Leopard cub, and a Caracal cub, all of whom have been rehabilitated at Vantara. The White Lion cub was born at the centre after its mother was rescued, while the Caracal, once common in India, is now part of a focused conservation program aimed at reviving its population in the wild.

The facility is home to an Advanced Multi-Specialty Wildlife Hospital, equipped with MRI, CT scans, ICUs, a Neonatal ICU, and specialised intensive care units for wildlife. The hospital also houses multiple specialised departments, including Wildlife Anesthesia, Cardiology, Nephrology, Endoscopy, Dentistry, and Internal Medicine. PM Modi observed an Asiatic Lion undergoing an MRI scan and visited the operation theatre, where a Leopard was undergoing critical surgery after being rescued from a roadside accident.The Hydrotherapy Pool, which helps elephants recover from arthritis and mobility issues, was another highlight of his tour.
In a series of rare and close interactions, PM Modi came face-to-face with a Golden Tiger, a rescued group of Snow Tigers from a circus, a White Lion, and a Snow Leopard. He walked among Zebras, hugged and played with Orangutans rescued from overcrowded facilities, and interacted with Chimpanzees in an open setting. Additionally, he fed a Giraffe and an orphaned One-Horned Rhino calf, whose mother had died at the facility.
Vantara also houses some of the world’s rarest species, including a two-headed snake, a two-headed turtle, Tapirs, Seals, Giant Otters, and Bongo antelopes. The Prime Minister observed elephants receiving therapeutic care in their jacuzzi, an initiative to improve their well-being. He also visited the world’s largest elephant hospital, which provides cutting-edge medical care to rescued elephants.
To mark the occasion, he gently released rescued parrots back into the wild, their vibrant wings soaring towards freedom—a poignant symbol of Vantara’s unwavering mission to heal, rehabilitate, and restore nature’s delicate balance.
With a global team of veterinarians and caregivers, Vantara is set to become a leading force in the world for its largest wildlife rescue and rehabilitation programmes. The centre has also undertaken a massive afforestation drive, with over 25 million trees planted to enhance wildlife habitats.