Vantara Animal Rescue Centre Jamnagar continues to redefine animal care, showing the world that it is not just a zoo, but a true sanctuary for wildlife. Today, we bring you another powerful story that will make you say: “Vantara is not a zoo, it is a life-saving mission.” The centre is now preparing for a major rescue operation to rehabilitate 20 elephants that were previously exploited by the timber industry in Arunachal Pradesh. This group includes 10 male elephants, 8 females, one juvenile, and a baby calf.
This mission is being carried out under the approval of a high-level committee appointed by the Supreme Court and initiated by the Tripura High Court. The goal: to bring all 20 elephants safely to the Vantara Animal Rescue Centre Jamnagar, where they will find a peaceful and permanent home.
Elephants Abused by the Timber Industry
Founded by Indian businessman and philanthropist Anant Ambani, Vantara Animal Rescue Centre Jamnagar is a renowned facility for the rehabilitation of captive and abused wildlife. These 20 elephants have long suffered under harsh conditions while being used for timber work. Now, they are set to find a forever home at Vantara, where they will live chain-free, in a natural and nurturing environment that mimics their wild habitat.
Among these elephants is a 10-year-old juvenile named Lakshmi, who has deep untreated wounds on her back legs, causing difficulty in bearing weight. She also suffers from a fresh, painful hole larger than an inch in her right ear—injuries inflicted as part of violent taming methods used by humans.
Heartbreaking Condition of Voiceless Animals in Arunachal Pradesh
One of the rescued elephants is Maya, a 2-year-old calf born in captivity. She was saved along with her mother, Rongmoti, who bore large wounds on her chest and hips from years of dragging timber. Another elephant, Ramu, had all four legs tied tightly together during his musth phase, which lasted 4–6 months. This cruel restraint caused immense physical and psychological trauma.
Another bull elephant named Babulal had his tail severely injured after a fight with a wild bull. The bleeding from the broken tail left him in constant pain and distress.
Lost Survival Instincts After Years in Captivity
Many of these elephants have lost their natural survival instincts due to years of captivity. The rescue project doesn’t just focus on the elephants—it also provides alternative livelihoods to their previous owners, mahouts, and their families. They will be offered training in scientific and compassionate elephant care, ensuring a brighter and more humane future for both elephants and their caretakers.
Through this holistic approach, Vantara Animal Rescue Centre Jamnagar aims to build a network of knowledge and skill-sharing that uplifts both animals and humans.
Maya and Her Calf to Travel Together in Custom Elephant Ambulance
All required permissions under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 have been secured. This includes a No Objection Certificate from the Gujarat Forest Department and transport permits from the Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department.
The 20 elephants will be transported to Vantara Animal Rescue Centre Jamnagar using specially designed elephant ambulances. Maya and her calf will travel together in the same ambulance, ensuring emotional comfort and safety during the long journey.
200 Experts to Escort the Elephants from Arunachal Pradesh
A team of more than 200 professionals will be deployed to facilitate the rescue. This team includes elephant veterinarians, para-vets, senior caregivers, and experienced ambulance drivers from Vantara Animal Rescue Centre Jamnagar. They will strictly follow transportation guidelines and animal welfare protocols to ensure the elephants are moved safely and ethically.
According to a 2020 research paper published in Gajah, the journal of the IUCN/SSC Asian Elephant Specialist Group, Arunachal Pradesh has a significant population of privately-owned captive elephants. Many of these elephants are used for timber logging and are kept near forests where they come into contact with wild bulls, leading to injuries and trauma.
A Brighter Future Through Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust
The Supreme Court-appointed committee has approved the transfer of these 20 elephants to Vantara Animal Rescue Centre Jamnagar under the care of the Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust. With the decline in private ownership of elephants following the ban on timber logging, demand for such elephants in forestry has dropped significantly.
As per Mr. Tabang Jamoh, Divisional Forest Officer of Namsai, DNA profiling is being done for the approximately 200 captive elephants in Arunachal Pradesh to ensure close monitoring of their health and welfare. The move to Vantara will not only improve the lives of these elephants but will also provide sustainable alternatives to the local communities.
Also read: Vantara Jamnagar: A Global Learning Hub for Wildlife and Conservation
Supporting Conservation and Community Well-being
This initiative ensures a balance between wildlife conservation, animal welfare, and community development. By offering employment opportunities and training to local communities, Vantara Animal Rescue Centre Jamnagar is creating a model for compassionate conservation. It also brings attention to the harsh realities of animal exploitation and offers a blueprint for how it can be stopped.
The relocation of these 20 elephants marks a significant milestone in India’s wildlife rescue efforts and proves that change is possible when passion meets purpose. Vantara Animal Rescue Centre Jamnagar is not just saving lives—it’s rebuilding futures.
Also read: Inspired by Vantara Jamnagar Gujarat, Aravalli to Get India’s Largest Jungle Safari in Haryana
Conclusion
The rescue of 20 abused elephants by Vantara Animal Rescue Centre Jamnagar is a remarkable step toward compassionate wildlife conservation in India. These elephants, once subjected to years of suffering and neglect in the timber industry, are now on their way to a safe, natural, and nurturing environment where they will be treated with dignity and care. Beyond saving animals, this initiative empowers local communities with new livelihoods and promotes humane animal management practices. Vantara’s mission is a shining example of how dedicated efforts can restore hope—not just for wildlife, but for humanity as well.
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