While the most of us were baking banana bread and whipping up Dalgona coffee during the pandemic, Anant Ambani’s train of thought was set on a higher purpose— creating a makeshift natural habitat for rescued animals to feel safe.
Fast forward to 2024 and the idea has transpired into a majestic reality, now known as project Vantara (meaning Star of the Forest), which is best described as an initiative that focuses on “rescue, treatment, care and rehabilitation of injured, abused and threatened animals, both in India and abroad.”
Describing the concept in a nutshell, the company’s statement read: “Vantara is focused on creating best-in-class animal conservation and care practices including state-of-the-art healthcare, hospitals, research, and academic centres. Within its programmes, Vantara also focuses on integrating advanced research and collaboration with reputed international universities and organisations such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF).”
Spread over 3,000 acres, Vantara— best described as a ‘sewalaya’ by Anant—is located within the premises of the Reliance’s Jamnagar Refinery Complex, which has been designed to create an ambiance of a jungle to ensure the space becomes conducive for rescued species to thrive in.
A natural habitat for the animal kingdom to feel safe
Recent reports indicate that over 200 elephants, and thousands of other animals, reptiles, and birds have been rescued as part of the project, in addition to undertakings like rhino, leopard, and crocodile rehabilitation. Provisions have been made to introduce facilities like a nutrition lab, kitchen, and surgery labs to ensure there's no compromise on the well-being of animals.
A report in India Times cites that the rescued animals were brought after obtaining prior approval of the Chief Wildlife Wardens of the respective states and the Central Zoo Authority as per provisions laid under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and the Recognition Zoo rules, 2009.
Anant Ambani currently serves as a director on the boards of Jio Platforms and Reliance Retail Venture.
Image source: The official Instagram page of Reliance Foundation.
