Inside Vantara | Anant Ambani’s Dream to Rescue India’s Wildlife

Everything to know about Anant Ambani’s innovative dream pet project in Jamnagar, Gujarat.

Vantara: Inside Anant Ambani’s Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre

Imagine a place where injured elephants receive medical care, rescued big cats are treated and animals that have suffered abuse are given a safe place to recover.

This is Vantara, a wildlife rescue, treatment and rehabilitation initiative in Jamnagar, Gujarat.

What Is Vantara?

Vantara was launched by Reliance Industries and Reliance Foundation on 26 February 2024. The project was conceptualised under the leadership of Anant Ambani, son of Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani.

The name Vantara means “Star of the Forest.”

The initiative focuses on rescuing, treating, rehabilitating and caring for injured, abused, orphaned and threatened animals from India and other countries. The centre is located within the Green Belt of Reliance’s Jamnagar Refinery Complex. It was initially announced as a 3,000-acre project, while Vantara currently describes its area as more than 3,500 acres.

Anant Ambani’s Connection With Animals

Anant Ambani has spoken about his interest in animal welfare from a young age.

Over the years, what began as a personal interest grew into a much larger animal rescue and conservation programme. The project brings together veterinarians, animal caretakers, zoologists, nutritionists, researchers and other wildlife experts.

Caring for Rescued Animals

Vantara says it currently cares for more than 150,000 animals across 2,000-plus species. Its facilities include specialised care centres for elephants and other wildlife, along with veterinary hospitals and treatment facilities.

The centre's elephant care facility looks after hundreds of rescued elephants. They receive veterinary treatment, specialised diets, rehabilitation and dedicated care. Vantara also has a large wildlife hospital with facilities for advanced medical treatment and surgery.

Rescue and Rehabilitation

Vantara says animals are brought to the centre through the required legal and regulatory processes.

The organisation has also participated in rescue and conservation efforts outside India, including work involving animals in countries such as Mexico and Venezuela. Its work includes both long-term care and conservation programmes, including efforts to rewild suitable animals.

International Attention

Vantara received wider attention after it was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March 2025. During his visit, Modi saw several rescued animals, including elephants that had suffered serious injuries and a leopard cub that had been abandoned.

The centre has also attracted international attention because of its size, facilities and involvement in wildlife conservation.

Questions and Criticism

Vantara has also faced questions from some conservationists and wildlife experts about keeping large numbers of animals at one private facility. Critics have raised broader questions about whether rescued wild animals should remain in such centres or, where possible, be returned to suitable natural habitats.

Vantara says its focus is on rescue, treatment, rehabilitation and conservation, and that animals are cared for according to their individual needs.

A Growing Wildlife Project

From its launch in 2024, Vantara has grown into a major wildlife rescue and rehabilitation initiative.

Its facilities, animal-care programmes and international conservation work have brought significant attention to wildlife welfare in India. The project continues to expand its work in animal rescue, veterinary care, rehabilitation and conservation.

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