&w=3840&q=100)
Vantara launches landmark elephant welfare programme in collaboration with Project Elephant
Vantara, home to over 250 rescued elephants and supported by a dedicated team of over 500 caregivers, exemplifies how enriched and compassionate care can transform lives. Reliance Foundation
Vantara, a wildlife conservation initiative led by Anant Ambani, has partnered with Project Elephant under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, to host the 'Vantara Gajsevak Sammelan', a five-day training programme for over 100 mahouts and elephant caregivers from across India.
After successfully completing the training program, each participant will be awarded a certificate.
According to Vantara's news release, the goal of this national-level capacity-building effort is to improve professional competence, boost care standards, and promote best practices in the welfare of elephants under human care.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
The event began with a maha aarti and ceremonial greeting at the Radhe Krishna Temple, laying the groundwork for an encounter that would be both spiritually and professionally enlightening.
'This Sammelan is more than a training programme, it's a tribute to those who dedicate their lives to elephant care,' said Vivaan Karani, Chief Executive Officer, Vantara.
Karani added, 'Our aim is to unite traditional wisdom with modern science to build a stronger, more compassionate foundation for their wellbeing. It reaffirms that the future of elephant conservation in India depends not just on policy or habitat—but also on the empowered hands and hearts of their caregivers.'
The Sammelan provides a combination of peer-to-peer learning, scientific education, and field-based experience at its state-of-the-art facility in Jamnagar, which is run by the Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust, a nonprofit organisation under the Vantara initiative.
In order to provide them with practical training in daily husbandry routines, foot care, bathing protocols, positive reinforcement techniques, musth management, and traditional Ayurvedic therapies, participants are divided into groups and rotate through designated elephant care zones, such as the Gajwan, Gajraj Nagari, and Ganesh Nagari.
Expert-led scientific workshops that cover important topics such elephant biology, stress identification, common illnesses, and emergency treatment for recumbent elephants are held in addition to the practical modules.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
In recognition of their crucial role in the long-term welfare of elephants, a special section is also devoted to the occupational health, safety, and well-being of caregivers.
To promote knowledge exchange and regional collaboration, the Sammelan includes structured reflection sessions and discussion forums where elephant carers from across the country can share their experiences, address common challenges, and learn from one another.
The Sammelan aims to create a nationwide community of experienced and compassionate elephant carers who are united by a common goal to promoting elephant welfare via both scientific development and traditional knowledge.
Vantara, home to over 250 rescued elephants and supported by a dedicated team of over 500 caregivers, many of whom were once in distressed or marginalised conditions, exemplifies how enriched and compassionate care can transform lives.
Vantara is dedicated to raising international and national standards for animal care and continues funding capacity building initiatives. It is working with authorities to host a number of landmark events, such as the National Zoo Directors' Conference in October, the National Veterinary Training on Introduction to Conservation Medicine in August, and the ongoing international training program for Congolese wildlife officials. These forums bring together specialists, practitioners, and legislators to encourage cooperation, exchange knowledge, and advance best practices in wildlife conservation and care.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mint
12 hours ago
- Mint
Elephant Madhuri to return from Vantara to Kolhapur if court allows: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis shares ‘good news'
Anant Ambani's Vantara has agreed to support Madhuri's return to Nandani Math. The animal rehab will work with the Maharashtra government to return the elephant, also called Mahadevi. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said Vantara acted only as per court orders and never wanted to keep the elephant. He shared on social media that he had met the Vantara team in Mumbai. It assured the Maharashtra CM that it would join the petition and help Madhuri return to her original home. 'Good news is that they assured me that they are happy to join Maharashtra Government's petition before the Hon'ble Supreme Court for the smooth passage of the elephant 🐘 'Madhuri' back to the Math,' Fadnavis wrote on Twitter (now X). Vantara has said in an official statement that it had never meant to hurt anyone's religious feelings. It was only following court orders from the Supreme Court and the Bombay High Court. "We recognise and respect the sentiments of the devotees, the leadership of the Jain Math, and the wider community who have expressed their concerns and attachment to Madhuri's presence in Kolhapur," Vantara said in its statement. Vantara said it had not asked for Madhuri to be moved. "The decision to relocate Madhuri was taken under judicial authority, and Vantara's role was to provide care, veterinary support, and housing as an independent rescue and rehabilitation centre,' the sanctuary added. 'At no stage did Vantara initiate or recommend the relocation, nor was there any intent to interfere with religious practice or sentiment," says Vantara's statement. Vantara has promised to offer full help, including medical care and transport, if the court allows her return. It will also help set up a new elephant care centre for Madhuri in Kolhapur's Nandani area. This new place will follow animal care rules and expert advice. 'The proposed facility will be developed in accordance with the established animal welfare guidelines, after consultation with experts from the High-Powered Committee and consensus of the Math, while aligned to international best practices in elephant care," says the statement. Madhuri, a 36-year-old elephant, had lived at a Jain monastery in Kolhapur since 1992 and was loved by the local community. In 2023, PETA complained that she was sick and badly treated. A court-appointed team confirmed her health issues, such as arthritis and mental stress. Based on this, the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court ordered her move to Vantara in July. This upset many in Maharashtra, especially the Jain community, who said Madhuri was part of their faith. People protested, called for a boycott of Jio, used hashtags and wrote letters.
Economic Times
12 hours ago
- Economic Times
Vantara proposes a dedicated rehab centre for elephant Madhuri (Mahadevi) in Kolhapur, supports legal move for her return
Synopsis Vantara proposes a specialized elephant rehabilitation center in Kolhapur for Madhuri, in collaboration with the Jain Math and the Maharashtra Forest Department, following appeals from the Jain community. This initiative includes advanced medical facilities and natural enclosures tailored for Madhuri's well-being. Vantara supports the petition for Madhuri's return, emphasizing its compliance with court orders and aiming to address community concerns. ET Special Vantara has put forth a proposal to establish a satellite rehabilitation centre for the elephant Madhuri in Kolhapur's Nandani region. The proposed initiative will be developed in collaboration with the Jain Math and the Maharashtra Forest Department. If sanctioned, the new facility will feature state-of-the-art medical infrastructure, open and naturalistic enclosures, and therapy-focused amenities designed specifically for Madhuri's health and move follows growing appeals from the Jain community, who hold the elephant, Madhuri in deep spiritual regard. Recognising the sentiment, Vantara has also pledged its support for any petition jointly filed by the Jain Math and the Maharashtra Government before the Supreme Court seeking Madhuri's return to Kolhapur.' We recognise and respect the deep emotional and cultural significance Madhuri holds for the community ,' the organisation said in an official statement, adding that their involvement was solely to comply with court orders and not to disrupt religious offer has received acknowledgement from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who shared the update on X. State Government Stands Firm With Devotees!Chaired a meeting regarding the issue of the Mahadevi elephant from Nandani Math, Taluka Shirol, District Kolhapur, in Mumbai today. For 34 years, Madhuri, also known as Mahadevi has been a part of Nandani Math's tradition and the… — Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) August 5, 2025 ' Good news is that they are happy to join Maharashtra Government's petition before the Hon'ble Supreme Court for the smooth passage of the elephant 'Madhuri' back to the Math ,' he wrote. Fadnavis also noted Vantara's readiness to build the specialised centre in Kolhapur if the Supreme Court grants Madhuri's return. Vantara has reiterated that the decision to relocate Madhuri was made by the Supreme Court and the Bombay High Court, and that its role was limited to housing and caring for the elephant at its Gujarat-based rehabilitation facility as directed by the courts. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vantara (@vantara) In a detailed statement, the organisation expressed regret that its involvement, though legally mandated, had caused concern within the Jain community. It further clarified that the proposed Kolhapur facility is not a bid for recognition but a response aligned with any future court approval be granted, the planned centre would include advanced features like hydrotherapy ponds, laser therapy units, chain-free open enclosures, and 24/7 veterinary services tailored to Madhuri's specific needs. ' Let us move forward not in opposition but in unity, with love for Madhuri at the heart of it all ,' the statement concludes.
India Today
12 hours ago
- India Today
Vantara issues official statement on Madhuri's care and future
Vantara, the animal rescue and rehabilitation organisation, has issued an official statement addressing the concerns raised by the Jain Matha and the people of Kolhapur regarding the relocation of Madhuri, an elephant of deep religious and cultural significance to the local organisation clarified that its role in Madhuri's relocation was strictly in compliance with directives issued by the Hon'ble Supreme Court and the Hon'ble Bombay High Court. According to Vantara, the decision to move Madhuri was made under judicial authority, and its involvement was limited to providing veterinary care, housing, and support at an independent rescue and rehabilitation centre. 'We recognise and respect the sentiments of the devotees, the leadership of the Jain Matha, and the wider community who have expressed their concerns about Madhuri's presence in Kolhapur,' the statement emphasised that at no point did it recommend or initiate the relocation of Madhuri, nor was there any intent to interfere with religious practices or sentiments. The organisation further stated its willingness to fully support any application that the Jain Matha and the Government of Maharashtra may file before the Hon'ble Court to request Madhuri's return to Kolhapur. If the court approves, Vantara has committed to providing complete veterinary and technical support to ensure a safe and dignified return for Madhuri. In addition, Vantara proposed working closely with the Jain Matha and the state government to establish a satellite rehabilitation centre for Madhuri in the Nandani area of Kolhapur. The proposed facility would be developed by international best practices in elephant care and under the guidance of animal welfare experts and the High-Powered Committee, in consultation with the Jain proposed centre would feature specialised facilities, including:Specialised Hydrotherapy Pond for joint and muscular reliefA second, larger water body for swimming and natural movementLaser therapy and a treatment room for physical rehabilitationCovered night shelter for rest and protectionLush open space habitat for unrestricted movement without chainsSand pit for environmental enrichment and natural behavioursFully equipped on-site veterinary clinic for 24x7 medical careRubberised flooring platform for safe and comfortable restingCarefully formed mounds of soft sand to support sloped resting positions, aiding recovery from foot rot, relieving pressure from arthritis, and reducing stress on jointsVantara made it clear that this proposal is a recommendation, not a binding condition, and remains fully respectful of any alternative solutions the Jain Matha may propose, subject to the court's final organisation also issued a heartfelt apology for its involvement, despite being court-directed, causing any distress to the Jain community or the people of Kolhapur. 'Michchhami Dukkadam - if any hurt was caused knowingly or unknowingly, we seek your forgiveness,' the statement its commitment to animal welfare, institutional integrity, and community cooperation, Vantara concluded by urging all parties to move forward in unity with Madhuri's well-being at the heart of all efforts. advertisementDisclaimer: The material, content, and/or information contained within this impact feature are published strictly for advertorial purposes. T.V. Today Network Limited hereby disclaims any and all responsibility, representation, or endorsement with respect to the accuracy, reliability, or quality of the products and/or services featured or promoted herein. Viewers or consumers are strongly advised to conduct their own due diligence and make independent inquiries before relying on or making any decisions based on the information or claims presented in the impact feature. Any reliance placed on such content is strictly at the individual's own discretion and risk. - Ends
