Prime Minister Narendra Modi Visits Vantara, Showcases Commitment to Wildlife Conservation

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed his dedication to wildlife conservation with a visit to Vantara, an advanced animal rescue, conservation, and rehabilitation center in Gujarat’s Jamnagar district. Accompanied by Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, his wife Nita Ambani, their son Anant Ambani, and daughter-in-law Radhika Merchant, the Prime Minister inaugurated the facility and explored its state-of-the-art infrastructure.

A Glimpse into Vantara’s Conservation Efforts

During his visit, PM Modi interacted closely with rehabilitated animals and inspected the wildlife hospital, which is equipped with modern medical facilities, including MRI, CT scans, and intensive care units. The center is designed to provide rescued animals with an environment that closely mirrors their natural habitat while also facilitating breeding programs to support species conservation.

In a video shared on his official YouTube channel, the Prime Minister was seen engaging with various species, including Asiatic Lion cubs, a rare Clouded Leopard cub, a White Lion cub, and Caracal cubs. Notably, the White Lion cub was born at Vantara after its mother was rescued and rehabilitated. Caracals, once common in India but now increasingly rare, are being bred under a controlled program at the center, with plans for their eventual release into the wild.

PM Modi also observed the hospital’s medical interventions firsthand. He visited the MRI unit, where an Asiatic Lion was undergoing a scan, and witnessed a life-saving surgery being performed on a Leopard that had been hit by a vehicle.

Encounters with Exotic and Rescued Wildlife

Among the highlights of his visit, the Prime Minister came face-to-face with a Golden Tiger, four Snow Tigers rescued from a circus, a Snow Leopard, and a White Lion. He also engaged with other rescued animals, including Chimpanzees and Orangutans, which had previously been kept as pets or confined in overcrowded facilities.

Further demonstrating his affinity for wildlife, PM Modi walked among Zebras, fed a Giraffe and a one-horned Rhino calf—an orphan whose mother had died at the facility—and interacted with Okapis and Hippopotamuses. He also observed a range of unique and rare species, including a two-headed snake, a two-headed turtle, a Tapir, Giant Otters, Bongo Antelopes, and Seals.

The Prime Minister also toured the center’s dedicated elephant hospital—the largest of its kind globally—where he observed hydrotherapy treatments designed to aid elephants suffering from arthritis and mobility issues.

As a symbolic gesture of rehabilitation and freedom, PM Modi released rescued parrots back into the wild.

A Commitment to Global Conservation Efforts

The Prime Minister’s visit to Vantara follows his recent lion safari at Gujarat’s Gir National Park in celebration of World Wildlife Day. Emphasizing the importance of biodiversity conservation, PM Modi took to social media to extend his wishes on the occasion:

"Today, on World Wildlife Day, let's reiterate our commitment to protect and preserve the incredible biodiversity of our planet. Every species plays a vital role—let's safeguard their future for generations to come! We also take pride in India's contributions toward preserving and protecting wildlife."

PM Modi’s engagement at Vantara underscores India’s ongoing efforts in wildlife conservation and the country’s role as a global leader in biodiversity protection. The center stands as a testament to India’s commitment to safeguarding endangered species and rehabilitating rescued wildlife.