The Vantara Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, is making a global impact. It rescues animals not just in India but also in other countries, including Mexico and Venezuela.
With over 150,000 rescued animals from more than 2,000 species, Vantara ranks among the world's largest animal rescue centers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the facility on Tuesday. He praised Vantara as a remarkable initiative for wildlife conservation, rescue, and rehabilitation, offering a safe haven for animals while promoting ecological balance and wildlife welfare. He also applauded Anant Ambani and his team for their compassionate efforts. Anant Ambani launched this initiative to provide shelter for distressed animals.
Inaugurated Vantara, a unique wildlife conservation, rescue and rehabilitation initiative, which provides a safe haven for animals while promoting ecological sustainability and wildlife welfare. I commend Anant Ambani and his entire team for this very compassionate effort. pic.twitter.com/NeNjy5LnkO
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 4, 2025
PM Modi said sharing his experience on X that an effort like Vantara was described as truly commendable, serving as a vibrant example of the nation's centuries-old ethos of protecting the beings with whom humans share the planet. Some glimpses of this initiative were also shared.
An effort like Vantara is truly commendable, a vibrant example of our centuries old ethos of protecting those we share our planet with. Here are some glimpses… pic.twitter.com/eiq74CSiWx
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 4, 2025
Big Cats Saved from Mexico
During the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, a Mexican agency urgently sought Vantara’s help. Without delay, the centre responded and took action.
Officials informed Vantara about a large number of quarantined big cats in Mexico. However, when the rescue team arrived, they discovered the animals in horrific conditions. Many were sick, starving, and too weak to walk. Tragically, some had even resorted to cannibalism due to extreme hunger, Moneycontrol reported. Moreover, the animals were severely dehydrated and barely holding on to life.
As a result, Vantara, following global rescue guidelines, saved over 100 big cats. The animals were then transported to its state-of-the-art rescue facility in India.
“With proper care and nutrition, these animals have regained confidence, the will to live and survive, their brute strength and now show natural behaviours, including playing and swimming. They had been given a new lease on life in their new home at the rescue centres at Vantara,” Moneycontrol quoted Vantara as saying.
Animals Rescued from Venezuela
Meanwhile, in November 2023, the Venezuelan National Foundation of Zoos, Breeding Farms, and Aquariums reached out to Vantara for help. The foundation was struggling to care for a group of birds and mammals at the San Antonio de Abad Zoo in Caracas.
Due to an embargo on food and medical imports, more than 700 animals—including Giant Anteaters and Giant River Otters—were on the brink of starvation. In response, Vantara quickly dispatched veterinarians and staff with essential supplies.
Later, the Venezuelan zoo formally requested Vantara to provide permanent care for these animals. Understanding the urgency, Vantara agreed and brought them to India.
Through these rescue missions, Vantara continues to offer animals a second chance at life while strengthening its global efforts in wildlife conservation.