Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Vantara, a centre dedicated to rescuing, conserving, and rehabilitating animals in Jamnagar, Gujarat. He interacted with various rescued animals during his visit, highlighting his strong commitment to wildlife conservation and protection.

The event was attended by Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, Nita Ambani, Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant. The Prime Minister toured the facility, which includes a modern wildlife hospital that has advanced medical services such as MRI, CT scans and an ICU to ensure proper care for rescued animals.

On his visit to Vantara, Prime Minister Narendra Modi caressed and played with several animals. They were Asiatic Lion cubs, a White Lion cub, a Clouded Leopard cub and Caracal cubs. His official YouTube channel posted a video showing him feeding and playing with them. The White Lion cub was born at the centre after its mother was rescued. At the same time, the Caracals, once common in India but now rare, are part of a captive breeding program at Vantara aimed at eventually releasing them into the wild.

PM Modi also toured the MRI room, observing an Asiatic Lion undergoing a scan. In the operation theatre, he witnessed a life-saving surgery on a Leopard that had been injured in a vehicle accident and was brought in for treatment. The rescued animals at Vantara live in specially designed enclosures that resemble their natural habitats, helping them adjust before potential reintegration into the wild. Key conservation efforts at the centre focus on species like the Asiatic Lion, Snow Leopard and One-Horned Rhinoceros.

During his visit, one of the most remarkable moments was Prime Minister Modi’s encounter with a rare Golden Tiger and four Snow Tigers, all of whom had been rescued from a circus where they were once forced to perform. He also came face-to-face with a majestic White Lion and a Snow Leopard. His visit included interactions with various animals, such as Chimpanzees saved from the pet trade, an Okapi, an Orangutan rescued from an overcrowded facility, a Hippopotamus, crocodiles, and Zebras. He even had the opportunity to feed a Giraffe and an orphaned One-Horned Rhino calf that had lost its mother at the facility.

At Vantara, PM Modi witnessed some of the world’s rarest species, including a two-headed snake and a two-headed turtle. He observed Tapir, Leopard cubs rescued from farmlands, Giant Otters, Bongos (a species of antelope), Seals, and Elephants receiving a unique jacuzzi therapy. The hydrotherapy pools based at the centre are designed to help elephants suffering from arthritis and foot issues, significantly improving their mobility and overall well-being.

During his visit to Vantara, one of the most meaningful moments was when PM Modi set rescued parrots free, symbolising the centre’s commitment to rehabilitating and releasing wildlife. He also spent time with veterinarians, caretakers and staff, appreciating their hard work in running and maintaining the facility.