Indore, Madhya Pradesh – The long-debated fate of Indore’s beloved elephant Moti has once again come under the spotlight after a high-powered committee ordered his transfer to the Vantara Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Jamnagar. However, the directive has met with stiff opposition from city officials, who argue that the 65-year-old elephant’s fragile health and emotional condition make relocation unsafe.
High-Level Committee Orders Moti’s Transfer to Vantara
On Monday, the committee issued an official letter directing the Kamla Nehru Prani Sanghralaya (Indore Zoo) and the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) to initiate the transfer process of the aging tusker to Vantara — a leading animal rescue, rehabilitation, and care centre based in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
The committee stated that Moti’s transfer to Vantara would provide him access to better veterinary facilities, open spaces, and expert care designed for aging elephants. The centre, known for its modern rescue operations and specialized animal welfare setup, has recently become a preferred sanctuary for rescued wildlife across India.
Indore Officials Oppose the Move, Cite Health and Emotional Concerns
Despite the order, officials in Indore remain unconvinced. The Indore Municipal Commissioner, Dilip Kumar Yadav, expressed concern over the impact such a long journey might have on Moti’s well-being.
“Considering his mental condition and age, it’s better for Moti to stay in Indore Zoo. He has lived here for decades in a familiar environment. We are also planning to bring a female elephant from Ujjain to give him companionship,” Yadav told reporters.
Zoo In-charge Dr. Uttam Yadav echoed similar concerns, noting that Moti’s health is not suitable for a cross-state relocation.
“Moti has been provided a calm and safe environment where he feels secure. Transporting him to Vantara at this stage could be risky. Our top priority will always be his safety and well-being,” Dr. Yadav said.
Moti’s Condition Under Constant Supervision
Officials at Kamla Nehru Zoo confirmed that Moti, known for his unpredictable and sometimes aggressive behavior, is constantly monitored by a specialized zoo team. The staff ensures his diet, health, and emotional stability are closely maintained.
Zoo authorities added that relocation might cause distress rather than improvement. “Moti’s home is here in Indore. Relocating him could worsen his condition rather than help it,” said a senior zookeeper.
Background: The 2023 Controversy Around Moti
This is not the first time Moti has attracted national attention. In July 2023, animal welfare organizations — Indore Animal Liberation and the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations (FIAPO) — released a viral video claiming Moti was caged in a small enclosure and showing signs of aggression due to long-term isolation.
The footage quickly gained traction on social media, drawing the attention of global animal welfare group PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), which demanded Moti’s release and rehabilitation.
However, within two weeks, on July 16, 2023, the zoo management issued an official clarification rejecting the allegations. They described the viral videos as “doctored” and reaffirmed that Moti was not mistreated. The management also denied claims that he had been kept in isolation for 31 years, calling such reports “completely false and misleading.”
Also read: Rescued Orangutan to be Returned to Indonesia by Vantara Rescue Center
Why Vantara Became the Center of the Debate
The Vantara Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, founded in Jamnagar, has become India’s largest and most advanced animal care facility. It provides medical treatment, natural habitats, and emotional rehabilitation for elephants, lions, and other rescued wildlife.
In recent years, several elephants from across India — including those rescued from temples, circuses, and private captivity — have found a new home at Vantara. The centre has earned recognition for its expert veterinary care, naturalistic enclosures, and emphasis on animal psychology and rehabilitation.
Supporters of the transfer argue that Vantara could offer Moti a more natural and peaceful environment, better suited for his advanced age and emotional recovery. They believe that modern medical infrastructure and experienced handlers in Jamnagar would ensure his long-term safety and comfort.
Balancing Emotional Bonds and Animal Welfare
For Indore residents, Moti is more than just an elephant — he’s a part of the city’s identity. Generations have grown up visiting him at the zoo, and many feel an emotional attachment to the gentle giant.
While animal rights activists continue to advocate for his transfer to Vantara, local officials and caretakers stress that any decision must prioritize his physical and psychological stability above all else.
Also read: Royal Bengal Tigress ‘Bijli’ of Raipur Safari Dies at Gujarat’s Vantara Wildlife Centre
What Lies Ahead for Moti
As debates intensify, the final decision on Moti’s future remains pending. The state forest department and the animal welfare committee are expected to review reports from both sides — the Vantara team and Indore Zoo — before making a conclusive judgment.
For now, Moti continues to live in his familiar enclosure at the Kamla Nehru Zoo, surrounded by caretakers who have looked after him for decades. Whether he remains in Indore or moves to Jamnagar’s Vantara facility, one thing remains clear — the story of Moti reflects India’s growing struggle to balance emotional bonds, animal rights, and ethical conservation.