Latest news with #Vantara
India.com
27-05-2025
- India.com
Lions to Leopards: Here's how to book tickets for Vantara Jamnagar Safari, prices are...
Lions to Leopards: Here's how to book tickets for Vantara Jamnagar Safari, prices are… Vantara Jamnagar Safari: Vantara Jamnagar Safari is one of the most famous safaris in India. It offers the visitors an unforgettable safari experience. The unique thing about the safari is that all the animals there are rescued and live in natural-style habitats. This entirely unique ride doesn't even feel like you are visiting India's largest wildlife rehabilitation center, making it perfect for families, photographers, and animal lovers. Visitors can book safari tickets by visiting the official Vantara website. Select the date of your visit, time slot and number of visitors. Pay online and your tickets are booked. The website will send you a confirmation message or email confirming the booking of your tickets. Please note that the visitors have to show this message or email at the gate. What's Included? Guided safaris provide visitors with the opportunity to observe rescued big cats, elephants, monkeys, birds, and other animals thriving in spacious, secure habitats. How Long Does the Safari Take? The safari takes 45 minutes to 1 hour. The vehicle will stop at some particular spots where you can observe animals more closely. Notably, morning slots are perfect as the weather is pleasant and animals are active. What Kind of Animals Will You See? Asiatic lions and leopards Elephants in groups Monkeys, turtles, and exotic birds Reptiles and rescued tortoises It is worth noting that the animals at the safari are not trained or forced to perform rather they live as naturally as possible. Rules You Should Know? Loud noises or flash photography are prohibited No feeding or teasing of animals allowed Follow the guide's instructions Vantara Safaris offers a tranquil and enriching experience, focusing not only on wildlife observation but also on the importance of animal rescue and rehabilitation.
India.com
23-05-2025
- Business
- India.com
Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani's son Anant Ambani's Vantara project cost? The amount is Rs..., the mega safari will soon...
Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani's son Anant Ambani's Vantara project cost? The amount is Rs..., the mega safari will soon... Mukesh Ambani's youngest son, Anant Ambani's Vantara, has recently been conferred with the prestigious 'Prani Mitra' National Award, India's highest honour in animal welfare, by the Government of India under the 'Corporate' category. The award recognizes the exceptional contributions of Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust (RKTEWT), an organization under Vantara dedicated to the rescue, treatment, and lifelong care of elephants. Vantara, located in Jamnagar, Gujarat, is a state-of-the-art animal rescue, conservation, and rehabilitation center established by Reliance Industries and Reliance Foundation. Spanning an impressive 3,000 acres within the Reliance Jamnagar Refinery Complex, this sanctuary serves as a hub for wildlife care and preservation. According to the official website of Vantara, the center is home to over 2,000 animals across 43 species, supported by cutting-edge facilities such as advanced veterinary equipment, spacious enclosures mimicking natural habitats, and an expert team of over 2,100 staff. Vantara not only promotes animal welfare but also aims to educate visitors on conservation efforts and the importance of biodiversity. But what is the cost of the prestigious Vantara project? According to several media reports, Anant Ambani's Vantara project reportedly costs around $150 million (around Rs 1200 crore), which includes the establishment of high-tech wildlife rehabilitation centers, eco-sensitive infrastructure, elephant kitchens, advanced medical care units, and lush habitats that mimic the natural ecosystems of rescued animals. According to Anant Ambani's Vantara provides advanced treatment and holistic care for rescued, injured, and endangered animals. According to the news agency ANI report, in the coming months, Vantara will launch the Encyclopaedia of Species on its website–a comprehensive platform featuring in-depth profiles of various species, their habitats, diets, care requirements, and rescue efforts, serving as a one-stop resource for wildlife information. Meanwhile, several celebrities, including cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, actor Shah Rukh Khan, and cricketer Virat Kohli, have lauded Anant Ambani and his team for their commitment to wildlife conservation at Vantara, a unique rescue and rehabilitation initiative.
The Wire
21-05-2025
- Politics
- The Wire
Will Resist Suppression of Press Freedom, Says Himal as Delhi HC Quashes Vantara's Case
Menu हिंदी తెలుగు اردو Home Politics Economy World Security Law Science Society Culture Editor's Pick Opinion Support independent journalism. Donate Now Media Will Resist Suppression of Press Freedom, Says Himal as Delhi HC Quashes Vantara's Case The Wire Staff 11 minutes ago Vantara had filed a contempt of court case against the media house for an investigative report it published on the centre. Logo of Himal Southasian. Real journalism holds power accountable Since 2015, The Wire has done just that. But we can continue only with your support. Contribute now New Delhi: The Delhi high court on Monday (May 19) struck down a case filed by Vantara aka the Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (GZRRC) against media house Himal Southasian alleging contempt of court. Himal, in a statement published by its editors on Tuesday, said that the court 'held that there was no judicial order or direction passed by the court against Himal requiring the magazine to remove the story, and hence the issue of contempt did not arise'. On March 20 last year, Himal had published an in-depth investigative report about Vantara – a zoological and rescue centre established by Anant Ambani, son of Reliance Industries owner Mukesh Ambani, in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The centre is still not open to the public, and according to a recent report by a German daily, now houses more than 30,000 wild animals from across the world. The Himal report in 2024 had revealed several discrepancies in the way Vantara may have sourced animals from across India, including elephants from the northeast. Reported on and written by M. Rajshekhar, the story was one of the first investigative stories on Vantara. The Pulitzer Center supported the reporting for the story. Vantara filed a contempt of court case against Himal for this story, per the latter's May 20 statement. According to the statement, Vantara alleged that Himal had 'wilfully disobeyed a judicial order' to take down this story from its website. In February this year, the GZRRC and the Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust – both of which are part of Vantara – filed a strategic litigation against public participation suit against Himal and its editors in the Delhi high court, the Himal statement said, quoting its lawyer Vrinda Grover. 'In the guise of a contempt petition, Vantara made an attempt to legally intimidate and remove an article that raises pertinent questions about the Vantara project,' the statement quoted Grover as saying. On May 19, the court dismissed Vantara's petition saying that it had not passed any judicial order or direction asking Himal to take down the story. Hence, the court said, an issue of contempt of court did not arise at all. Himal, in its statement, has said that it stands by its investigative report on Vantara. 'We stand by the investigation and will resist any attempts at intimidation or the suppression of journalistic freedom. Himal shall continue to exercise and defend its right to freely report and comment on issues of public interest as an independent media organisation for the Southasian region,' its statement on Tuesday read. The official judgment is yet to be uploaded on the website of the Delhi high court. Vantara, meanwhile, has come under the scanner of several other media houses as well as animal rights organisations. A news report published by a Brazilian media house on April 9 this year noted that Vantara has Spix's or blue macaws in its possession, and that the Brazilian government was unaware of the transfer of the birds to Vantara. The Brazilian government requires that these birds – a species of parrot that is critically endangered and extinct in the wild in its native range in Brazil – be sent back to Brazil for its reintroduction programme if they cannot be looked after in any international breeding centre that they are currently housed at. The Brazilian report also suggests that Vantara may have paid money to a breeding centre in Germany for the birds, but Vantara has denied this, according to the report. On March 13 this year, an investigative report by German daily Suddeutsche Zeitung said that Vantara's demand for 'rescued' animals may have fuelled the illegal wildlife trade worldwide. Vantara, however, told The Wire that this report was 'entirely baseless' and 'misleading'. On March 6 this year, the Wildlife Animal Protection Forum of South Africa – a network of 30 South African organisations – sent a letter to South African environment minister Dion George highlighting the 'concerning' high number of leopards, cheetahs, tigers and lions exported from South Africa to the GZRRC and urged that a probe be conducted into this issue. Vantara, however, called this statement 'false and misleading' and filed a defamation case against the network. The network responded saying that its statements against Vantara were neither false nor defamatory. Make a contribution to Independent Journalism Related News After Delhi HC's Rebuke, Abhijit Iyer Mitra to Take Down X Posts Against Newslaundry Journalists PMLA Accused Have Right to Copies of Documents Not Relied on by ED: Supreme Court After In-House Committee's Report, CJI Khanna Gives Justice Yashwant Varma Time Till May 9 to Respond Justice Yashwant Varma, Embroiled in Cash Controversy, May be Asked to Resign Delhi HC Orders Ramdev to File Affidavit Stating He Won't Use Communal Slurs Allahabad HC Upholds Trial Court's Order For Survey of Sambhal's Shahi Jama Masjid 'Thrown Into the Sea': How India Allegedly Deported 38 Rohingya Refugees Without Due Process As Delhi Courses Through Another Punishing Summer, Residents Are Once Again Pushed to the Brink 'Long Live-in Relationship Implies Couple Didn't Want Marriage': SC Quashes FIR Against Man About Us Contact Us Support Us © Copyright. All Rights Reserved.
Zawya
12-05-2025
- General
- Zawya
How South Africa's conservation efforts can thrive with Indian partnership?
South Africa's conservation legacy is globally renowned, celebrated for its breathtaking biodiversity and species found nowhere else on Earth. Yet beneath this pride lies a harsh truth: our conservation model is under strain. A recent report by the Sustainable Landscape Finance Coalition revealed that South Africa faces a 64% funding shortfall in biodiversity conservation. SanParks alone operates with an annual deficit nearing a quarter of a billion rand. These are not just statistics; they represent underpaid rangers, stalled community land restitution efforts, and vulnerable species crying for care. It is clear: if we are to safeguard our natural heritage, we must welcome bold, international partnerships – especially those rooted in scientific integrity, shared values, and long-term vision. One of the most promising opportunities lies with India – and specifically, a pioneering conservation initiative called the Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, an affiliate of Vantara. A partner with proven impact Vantara is a groundbreaking conservation facility in Gujarat, India, spanning over 3,000 acres and caring for more than 2,000 animals across 43 species. Its elephant care unit is the largest in the world, complete with an on-site hospital, a fleet of 75 custom-engineered ambulances, and a blend of modern and traditional veterinary care. But Vantara's significance lies not just in its scale. It lies in its results. Its collaboration with the Association for the Conservation of Threatened Parrots (ACTP) led to the reintroduction of 41 Spix's Macaws into the wild in Brazil, an achievement once thought impossible. This kind of strategic, science-led success is exactly what South Africa can benefit from. Encouragingly, the South African government has already engaged with Vantara, laying the groundwork for deeper, more strategic cooperation. Science, scale and shared purpose India boasts impressive credentials in animal conservation, backed by a rich biodiversity and a deep cultural reverence for wildlife. The country is home to nearly 4,000 research institutions and employs over 165,000 scientists, compared to just under 20,000 in South Africa. This disparity is not a threat; it is an opportunity. Imagine the impact of co-led research hubs, shared data ecosystems, and jointly managed conservation corridors. With flagship initiatives like Project Tiger, launched in 1973, India has emerged as a global leader in big cat conservation and is now home to over 70% of the world's wild tiger population. Building on this legacy, India recently launched the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) – a visionary effort to unite countries for the conservation of the world's seven big cats: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, puma, jaguar, and cheetah. South Africa that is home to iconic species like the lion and cheetah, has been invited to join the IBCA. This partnership offers not just prestige, but a platform for global cooperation in science, conservation training, and habitat restoration. India's robust legal framework, including the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, and a vast network of protected areas, further reinforces its leadership in this space. India's track record in community-based conservation also offers replicable models where local people are not passive bystanders but active partners in protection. A call for collaborative conservation Conservation in the 21st century cannot rely solely on national budgets or siloed expertise. It requires trust, transparency, and true partnership. South Africa should not only welcome institutions like Vantara – we should help shape the future of conservation alongside them. We cannot afford to delay the urgent work of protecting our ecosystems. The future of our planet's most precious species depends on bold, innovative, and international partnerships. The time for collaborative conservation is now.
The Hindu
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
The two lions and a bear cub that Tamil Nadu's matinee idol M.G.R. maintained
This March, visuals of Prime Minister Narendra Modi feeding a lion cub at the inauguration of 'Vantara', an animal rescue centre, cave, conservation and rehabilitation centre, established by the Reliance Industries along with the Reliance Foundation, had gone viral on social media. It brought back memories of pet animals, including two lions and a bear cub, kept by former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran, popularly known as MGR. Among the belongings of the actor-turned politician on display at his memorial house at T. Nagar in Chennai is a taxidermied lion. Death and passage of time do not seem to have deprived Raja, the male lion, of its majestic look. It was bought in Calcutta (Kolkata) by MGR Pictures for some scenes in the hit-film Nadodi Mannan. According to the December 1957 edition of the film magazine Nadigan Kural, MGR Pictures had bought two lion cubs — Raja and Rani — in Calcutta for ₹15,000 and trained them. They were one-and-a-half-foot tall and kept in a cage on Lloyds Road at Royapettah. 'As Raja died unexpectedly, the female was donated to the Chennai Corporation Zoo near the Central Railway Station [where the zoo was located then],' says the magazine. A copy of the issue is still kept by MGR Pradeep, a grand-nephew of MGR. Interestingly, MGR was the publisher of the magazine. Actor and theatre personality T.K. Shanmugam, known as Avvai T.K. Shanmugam, was the editor. Though many still believe that Raja was featured in a fight scene with MGR in Adimai Penn, MGR himself had said in an interview that he bought the lion cubs for a scene in Nadodi Mannan. Anyway, the very fact that the interview was carried in 1957 itself shows the lion could not have been featured in Adimai Penn, as it was released only in 1969. Buffalo attacked M.C.C. Chandran, son of MGR's elder brother M.G. Chakrapani, had recalled in an interview how the lioness once escaped and attacked a buffalo on Lloyds Road. 'Fortunately, nothing happened since the nail of the lion had been clipped. Mani, the caretaker of the lions, struggled to control the lioness and brought it to the cage,' he had said. He had also made it clear that the lions were used for some scenes in Nadodi Mannan. Kumar Rajendran, advocate and a grand-nephew of MGR's wife Janaki Ramachandran, said both animals were siblings and the male was taxidermied after its death. First, it was kept on Lloyds Road, then taken to Ramapuram Gardens, where MGR lived, before being shifted to T. Nagar. MGR had said in his interview that he made the film (Nadodi Mannan) with a lot of ideas and messages relevant to society. 'I wanted to have a fighting scene with a lion in the film, and for that purpose, I bought a male cub and a female cub, and reared them,' MGR had said. He had been inspired by scenes in an English movie in which the hero would fight with three lions. But he could not succeed in his plans as the male died of renal failure. 'I donated the female to the Corporation Zoo. Subsequently, I changed the climactic scene of Nadodi Mannan and it was a grand success. Though the lion died, it ensured a roaring success for the film,' MGR had recalled. MGR's eagerness to shoot a film with a lion-fighting scene remained unquenched; he used a lion for a fighting scene in Adimai Penn. 'Animal welfare activists came to know about my plans to have a lion fighting scene and they issued a notice, saying that I should send the animal to the zoo. Fortunately, the animal survived. We took a lot of pain to shoot the scenes. In short, I risked my life to shoot them,' MGR had said. Bear cub at home MGR's love for animals had been explained by IAS officer T. Pichandi who worked as his secretary. 'He had kept a bear cub and dogs at his residence. He had even appointed a veterinarian and caretakers for the animals,' Mr. Pichandi writes in his recent book, Yenakkul Manakkum MGR Ninaivugal (Memories of MGR Within Me). Mr. Pichandi also reveals that the present day Arignar Anna Zoological Park at Vandalur itself was the result of MGR's concern for the welfare of the animals dying of pollution at the Corporation Zoo. 'He held discussions with Forest Department officials, who suggested that the forest area at Vandalur would be an ideal place. He accepted the proposal and the orders were issued in 1978. Vandalur was gradually developed from 1979. Animals from the zoo were shifted. Rare animals and animals from other zoological parks were brought to Vandalur,' Mr. Pichandi writes. The inauguration of the Vandalur zoo in July 1985 was the first official function MGR attended as the Chief Minister after his return from treatment in the U.S.
