Vantara marks one year since inauguration, highlights wildlife rescue and rewilding milestones

Jamnagar-based Vantara on Monday marked its foundation day, completing one year since its inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and outlined key milestones across wildlife rescue, veterinary care and conservation.

Founded by Anant Mukesh Ambani, Vantara said it has restored thousands of rescued wild animals to health over the past year, spanning species such as big cats, reptiles, primates, birds and other mammals. The organisation said its veterinary teams have carried out complex surgical procedures and supported the rewilding of animals into their natural habitats following rescue, treatment and rehabilitation.

Care for elephants and crocodiles

Among its large-scale interventions, Vantara said it is providing long-term specialised care to over 250 elephants rescued from logging operations, circuses, rides and street begging. Many of these animals are undergoing treatment for arthritis and age-related ailments.

The foundation also continues to provide care for thousands of crocodiles rescued from overcrowded facilities.

Scientific and diagnostic infrastructure

Designated as the National Referral Centre for Wildlife (West Zone), Vantara said it has strengthened wildlife health integration within India’s broader One Health ecosystem. The organisation operates a central scientific laboratory along with 11 satellite laboratories, supported by more than 70 specialists.

According to the foundation, its facilities process over 2,000 diagnostic samples daily, with capabilities including bio-banking, next-generation sequencing, molecular diagnostics, pathology, parasitology and toxicology.

The organisation added that it produces 1,56,000 kg of animal nutrition daily through automated systems. The supply chain is supported by 50 temperature-controlled vehicles, 200 qualified professionals and over 1,000 farmers engaged in cultivating fodder and animal feed.

Rewilding and international engagement

Vantara highlighted structured breeding and rewilding programmes as part of its conservation efforts. Over the past year, 53 spotted deer were released into Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in partnership with the Gujarat Forest Department. The foundation also undertook a snake-necked turtle rewilding initiative in Indonesia.

The organisation said it has participated in more than 50 national and international knowledge-sharing events and trained hundreds of veterinarians in conservation medicine.

In its first year, Anant Ambani received the Global Humane Award in recognition of contributions to wildlife care and conservation. Vantara said it has also secured Global Humane Conservation Certification and international memberships with wildlife associations including EARAZA and SEAZA.

The foundation also said it supported humanitarian and disaster response efforts during floods in Punjab, assisting affected communities and safeguarding animals.