The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
JAMNAGAR, JANUARY 19, 2025
In a compassionate move that underscores the importance of animal welfare, Vantara, a cutting-edge animal rescue and rehabilitation organization founded by philanthropist Anant Ambani, is preparing to welcome two cow elephants, Bishnupriya, aged 18, and Lakshmipriya, aged 26, from the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Mayapur, near Kolkata. This transfer follows a tragic incident last April, when Bishnupriya fatally attacked her mahout, emphasizing the urgent need for a specialized environment conducive to their well-being.
The transfer initiative, a collaboration between Vantara and ISKCON, has received full endorsement from the High-Powered Committee, constituted by the Tripura High Court and upheld by the Supreme Court of India. The committee is responsible for ensuring the rescue and safe relocation of distressed wild animals. At Vantara, Bishnupriya and Lakshmipriya will find a permanent sanctuary, meticulously designed to emulate an elephant’s natural habitat. This chain-free environment promises expert veterinary care, psychological support, and enrichment activities, fostering their mental and physical recovery. The elephants will have opportunities to socialize with their peers, enhancing their overall well-being under the compassionate care of trained handlers.
ISKCON Mayapur has been home to Lakshmipriya since 2007 and Bishnupriya since 2010, where they participated in temple rituals and festivals. The call for their release gained momentum through advocacy by animal protection groups like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India and World Animal Protection. PETA India even proposed providing a mechanized elephant for temple rituals in exchange for their transfer to a sanctuary.
Hrimati Devi Dasi, a senior member of ISKCON and manager of mahouts and elephants in Mayapur, expressed her support for the transition: “In ISKCON, we believe that every being is a spiritual soul within a material body. We do not differentiate between species, as all life deserves compassion and respect. Our devotion to Lord Krishna is reflected in our care for all living creatures. Having visited Vantara, I am assured that Bishnupriya and Lakshmipriya will thrive in their new home, forging bonds and experiencing the joy and freedom akin to life in the wild.”
Life in captivity often inflicts severe psychological stress on elephants, whose well-being in the wild relies on social bonds and the freedom to roam. In captivity, unmet needs can lead to distress, manifesting as repetitive behaviors, depression, and aggression. Vantara’s approach to elephant care prioritizes their mental and emotional health alongside physical well-being. Through detailed psychological assessments, positive reinforcement training, and enriching activities that simulate their natural environment, Vantara aims to restore their strength and emotional balance. The organization’s state-of-the-art facilities, including the world’s largest elephant hospital, exemplify its dedication to the comprehensive rehabilitation and rejuvenation of rescued elephants.
