In a significant step towards wildlife conservation, Reliance Industries and Reliance Foundation have unveiled their Vantara (Star of the Forest) programme.
This initiative is dedicated to the rescue, treatment, care, and rehabilitation of injured, abused, and threatened animals, both in India and abroad.
Director on the boards of RIL and Reliance Foundation, Anant Ambani, envisions Vantara as a cornerstone of Reliance’s journey towards becoming a Net Carbon Zero company by 2035.
Speaking about the initiative, Ambani highlighted its focus on creating best-in-class animal conservation and care practices, including state-of-the-art healthcare, hospitals, research, and academic centres.
“Vantara is a combination of the age-old ethical value of compassion with the excellence of modern scientific and technological professionalism. I see Jeev Seva (animal care) as a seva towards the almighty as well as humanity,” he said, through a statement on Monday.
Spread across 3000 acres within the Green Belt of Reliance’s Jamnagar Refinery Complex in Gujarat, Vantara aims to emerge as a leading contributor to global conservation efforts.
Vantara’s approach integrates advanced research and collaboration with reputed international entities such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF).
The programme has already made significant strides in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, having rescued over 200 elephants and thousands of other animals, reptiles, and birds from perilous situations.
Furthermore, Vantara has extended its reach beyond India’s borders, participating in rescue missions in countries like Mexico and Venezuela.
Recently, it responded to a call from Central American zoo authorities, transporting several large animals to safety.
All rescue and rehabilitation missions are meticulously carried out under strict legal and regulatory frameworks both in India and internationally.
Ambani highlighted Vantara’s active collaborations with top zoological and medical experts, as well as government bodies and educational institutions, aiming to elevate India’s wildlife conservation efforts.
The Vantara programme boasts a dedicated centre for elephants and facilities for various other large and small species, including lions, tigers, crocodiles, leopards, and more.
With its holistic approach and visionary leadership, Vantara endeavours to become a beacon of hope for global biodiversity conservation initiatives.
