The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, MARCH 4, 2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Vantara, a state-of-the-art wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation center in Gujarat on Sunday. Home to over 1.5 lakh rescued, endangered, and threatened animals across more than 2,000 species, Vantara is a significant step in India’s wildlife conservation efforts.
During his visit, PM Modi explored various facilities at the center and engaged closely with rehabilitated animals. He visited the wildlife hospital, which is equipped with advanced medical facilities such as MRI, CT scans, ICUs, and specialized departments including Wildlife Anesthesia, Cardiology, Nephrology, Endoscopy, Dentistry, and Internal Medicine.
Demonstrating his deep connection with wildlife, the Prime Minister played with and fed several rare and endangered species, including Asiatic Lion cubs, a White Lion cub, a Clouded Leopard cub, and a Caracal cub. Notably, the White Lion cub he fed was born at the center after its mother was rescued and rehabilitated at Vantara. The Caracals, once abundant in India but now rare, are being bred at the center under a special conservation program for future release into the wild.
PM Modi also observed critical medical procedures at the wildlife hospital. He visited the MRI room, where an Asiatic Lion was undergoing a scan, and witnessed a life-saving surgery on a Leopard that had been hit by a car.
A key feature of Vantara is its commitment to replicating natural habitats for rescued animals. Among the prominent conservation initiatives at the center are efforts focused on Asiatic Lions, Snow Leopards, and the One-Horned Rhinoceros.
PM Modi had rare face-to-face encounters with several formidable animals, including a Golden Tiger, four Snow Tigers rescued from a circus, a White Lion, and a Snow Leopard. His interactions extended to an Okapi, free-roaming Chimpanzees, Orangutans rescued from overcrowded facilities, a submerged Hippopotamus, and crocodiles. He also walked among Zebras, fed a Giraffe and a Rhino calf, and observed a variety of unique species such as a large Python, a two-headed snake, a two-headed turtle, a Tapir, Giant Otters, Bongo antelopes, Seals, and Elephant calves enjoying a Jacuzzi.
The Prime Minister also reviewed the center’s hydrotherapy pools, which aid elephants suffering from arthritis and foot ailments. He visited the world’s largest elephant hospital, where these gentle giants receive advanced medical care.
In a symbolic act of freedom, PM Modi released rescued parrots back into their natural habitat. He also interacted with the dedicated doctors, staff, and caretakers who manage the center’s various operations.
