Updated Feb 29, 2024 | 08:54 PM IST

Anant Ambani’s wildlife project ‘Vantara’ (Reliance Foundation)

Anant Ambani, the younger son of Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries, unveiled his ambitious wildlife conservation project, which is all set to become the world’s largest zoo and rehabilitation center.

The conservation center includes state-of-the-art healthcare facilities, hospitals, research centers, and academic institutions. According to a TOI report, the conservation centre – named as ‘Vantara,’ meaning ‘Star Of The Forest,’ spans across 3,000 acres within Reliance’s Jamnagar Refinery Complex, which is often referred to as the Green Belt Of Gujarat.

This conservation project is not merely a zoo but a comprehensive rehabilitation center, designed to recreate a natural and nurturing environment akin to the lush habitats from which the rescued animals hail. ‘Vantara’ aims to provide a sanctuary for abused, injured, and endangered animals.

Supported by Reliance Industries and Reliance Foundation, focuses on holistic rehabilitation, recreating natural habitats for rescued animals. The expansive complex underscores the project’s dedication to wildlife conservation, poised to collaborate with esteemed organizations like the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF).

Having successfully rescued over 200 elephants and various endangered species, including rhinos and leopards, ‘Vantara’ serves as a beacon of wildlife preservation. Its Elephant Rescue Centre, equipped with advanced medical facilities, symbolizes the project’s commitment to conservation.

Beyond its borders, ‘Vantara’ extends its focus with global initiatives to rescue and rehabilitate animals. Over the years, it has saved numerous reptiles, birds, and critical species such as rhinos, leopards, and crocodiles, with collaborations expanding its reach to international rescue centers in Mexico and Venezuela.

The center’s state-of-the-art Elephant Rescue Centre addresses the plight of elephants endangered by hunting for their tusks. Equipped with advanced medical facilities like portable X-ray and laser machines, a pathology lab, and a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. With a dedicated staff of 500, including veterinarians, nutritionists, and pathologists, ‘Vantara’ offers innovative treatments such as hydrotherapy pools and multani-mitti massages.

Anant Ambani envisions the project as a monumental conservation effort and a hope for global biodiversity initiatives.