Reliance Foundation animal welfare: In Jamnagar, Gujarat, the Vantara Project has created a special kitchen spread across more than 14,000 square feet, dedicated to the well-being of elephants. Every day, thousands of kilograms of food are prepared here, carefully curated to meet the dietary and oral health needs of each elephant.
Reliance Foundation animal welfare
Launched by Reliance Industries and Reliance Foundation, Vantara is a pioneering wildlife welfare initiative. This project focuses on rescuing, treating, caring for, and rehabilitating injured and distressed animals — not only from India but also from around the world. Spread over 3,000 acres within Reliance’s Jamnagar refinery complex, Vantara offers a forest-like environment where animals can thrive in natural surroundings.
Special Diet and Care for the Gentle Giants
The rescue and rehabilitation of elephants at Vantara began in 2010, and by 2020, the center expanded its care to other wildlife species. To date, nearly 200 elephants, leopards, thousands of birds, reptiles, and other animals have been rescued and given a safe habitat here.
In the elephant kitchen, over 500 kg of nutritious laddoos made from ragi and coconut are prepared daily, along with more than 600 kg of wholesome khichdi (a rice and lentil dish). Thousands of kilograms of fresh fruits and vegetables are also brought in every day to ensure a balanced and nourishing diet for the elephants. On World Elephant Day, Vantara celebrates by offering 56 different delicacies — a traditional 56 Bhog — to honor its beloved elephants.
Ayurvedic Healing for Holistic Well-Being
At Vantara, traditional Ayurvedic techniques are used to care for the elephants. Skilled Ayurvedic practitioners provide warm oil massages and use natural treatments like multani mitti (Fuller’s earth) to maintain healthy skin and overall wellness. Their mission is to ensure that every elephant receives not just physical nourishment but also mental and emotional balance.
Vantara: A Sanctuary, Not a Zoo
The Vantara project has also rehabilitated key species such as rhinos, leopards, and crocodiles. Wildlife experts have transformed the 3,000-acre area into a dense, forest-like habitat where animals experience life close to their natural ecosystem. According to Anant Ambani, Chairman of the Reliance Foundation Board, Vantara is not a zoo but a “service home” for animals — a place where wildlife is cared for with respect, compassion, and freedom.
Also read: Anant Ambani’s Beloved Pet Dog Happy Passes Away, Family Bids Emotional Farewell
Conclusion
Vantara in Jamnagar stands as a shining example of how wildlife can be rescued, rehabilitated, and cared for with compassion and science. With its 14,000 sq. ft. mega kitchen serving nutritious meals to 56 elephants and its use of Ayurvedic healing practices, Vantara is more than just a sanctuary — it is a true service home for wildlife. Spearheaded by Reliance Foundation and Anant Ambani, this 3,000-acre project has created a forest-like environment where animals like elephants, rhinos, leopards, and crocodiles can thrive naturally. As India’s largest wildlife rehabilitation center, Vantara is setting new global standards in animal welfare, conservation, and holistic care. It is not only protecting the “stars of the forest” but also inspiring the world to treat wildlife with respect and dignity.
