Vantara: A Symbol of India’s Commitment to Wildlife Conservation and Sustainable Tourism
Jamnagar, Gujarat: On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, coinciding with World Wildlife Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated ‘Vantara,’ heralded as the world’s largest zoo and animal rescue center, located at Reliance’s Jamnagar Refinery in Gujarat. This landmark event spotlighted India’s burgeoning commitment to wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism, with the ambitious eco-conscious project spearheaded by Anant Ambani, a director at Reliance Industries and Reliance Foundation.
Spanning an impressive 3,000 acres, ‘Vantara’ serves as a sanctuary for over 2,000 species, housing more than 1.5 lakh rescued, endangered, and threatened animals. During his visit, PM Modi praised Ambani’s vision, calling ‘Vantara’ a “beacon of hope” for wildlife preservation and a vital boost to Gujarat’s tourism appeal. “This is not just a zoo; it’s a testament to India’s growing stature in global environmental efforts,” Modi declared in an address to a massive public gathering following a vibrant roadshow through Jamnagar, where thousands cheered his arrival.
The Prime Minister’s visit offered a glimpse into ‘Vantara’s’ state-of-the-art facilities, including its on-site wildlife hospital equipped with cutting-edge veterinary tools like MRI machines, CT scanners, and ICU units. The hospital features specialized departments such as wildlife anesthesia, cardiology, nephrology, endoscopy, dentistry, and internal medicine. Modi witnessed critical operations, including an Asiatic lion undergoing an MRI and a leopard receiving surgery after a car accident rescue, underscoring the center’s rehabilitation focus.
A highlight of the visit was Modi’s heartwarming interactions with the animals. He fed and played with a white lion cub—born at ‘Vantara’ to a rescued mother—a rare clouded leopard cub, and a caracal cub, part of the center’s breeding program for endangered species. He also released rescued parrots back into their natural habitat, symbolizing ‘Vantara’s’ commitment to restoring wildlife freedom. Other notable moments included feeding a giraffe, a rhino calf, and spending time with elephants in their hydrotherapy pools, as well as observing rare residents like golden tigers, snow leopards, a two-headed snake, and an orangutan.
‘Vantara’ stands out not only for its scale but also for its mission to rehabilitate endangered species and promote eco-tourism, aligning with Modi’s vision of balancing development with ecological responsibility. The facility, backed by Reliance, aims to educate future generations about biodiversity while reinforcing Gujarat’s reputation as a hub of diverse attractions.
The inauguration underscored PM Modi’s ongoing efforts to blend cultural heritage with modern progress, positioning India as a leader in conservation innovation. As he concluded his visit, Modi emphasized the center’s role in inspiring a sustainable future, cementing ‘Vantara’ as a milestone in India’s environmental and tourism narrative.
