DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, September 30, 2025 – In an era where wildlife conservation is becoming increasingly crucial, Vantara has emerged as a global model for ethical animal welfare. More than just a sanctuary, Vantara represents a pioneering approach to holistic animal care, combining rehabilitation, research, and sustainable practices under one umbrella. Bharat Jagmohan Mehra, a visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist, recently spoke about the mission, mindset, and impact behind this groundbreaking initiative.
The Visionary Behind Vantara
Bharat Mehra, with over 25 years of humanitarian leadership, is widely recognized for his strategic acumen in guiding top corporates across India and the Middle East. As the founder of Bharat Mehra Strategies, he serves as Chief Advisor to Anant Ambani and consultant to Ajay Piramal. In addition to his corporate advisory roles, Mehra chairs the Radha Meera Trust, dedicated to social welfare and community upliftment. His passion for social impact, combined with Anant Ambani’s lifelong dedication to animal welfare, culminated in the creation of Vantara.
“Vantara is more than a project; it’s a legacy in the making,” Mehra explains. “It’s rooted in compassion, innovation, and a deep respect for all living beings.”
What Is Vantara?
Vantara is a large-scale wildlife conservation and rehabilitation initiative headquartered in Jamnagar, Gujarat. Spanning 3,000 acres, its mission is to rescue, treat, and provide long-term care for injured, abused, or endangered animals, both native and exotic. The project was inspired by Anant Ambani’s dedication to animal welfare and his belief in giving voiceless beings a second chance at life.
Unlike conventional zoos, Vantara is non-commercial and conservation-driven. It does not host ticketed visitors or display animals for entertainment purposes. Instead, the focus remains entirely on rescue, medical care, rehabilitation, and conservation research. “We’ve adopted global best practices from leading wildlife centers worldwide,” Mehra notes. “Vantara is designed as a recovery haven, not an exhibition facility.”
Animals at Vantara: Care Beyond Boundaries
Over the years, Vantara has provided care for more than 2,000 animals. These include elephants, leopards, lions, tigers, various bird species, and exotic animals rescued from illegal trafficking or poor captivity abroad. Many of these animals arrived in critical condition—emaciated, abused, or abandoned. Each is now treated with personalized care and respect, ensuring a path to recovery and a better quality of life.
“We focus on individualized care,” Mehra emphasizes. “Every animal has a story, and our responsibility is to help them heal physically and emotionally.”
Advanced Facilities and Technologies
Vantara’s world-class infrastructure is central to its rehabilitation mission. The sanctuary boasts state-of-the-art veterinary hospitals, hydrotherapy pools for elephants, enrichment enclosures, stress-free transport systems, and species-specific habitats. In addition, AI-based health monitoring and bio-acoustic laboratories enable precise tracking of animal health and behavior.
Global collaborations with wildlife experts from Africa, Europe, and the United States further enhance the sanctuary’s capabilities. “We aim to combine cutting-edge technology with compassionate care,” Mehra explains. “This approach allows us to set a global benchmark in animal welfare.”
Sustainability at the Core
Sustainability and ecological responsibility are integral to Vantara’s operations. The sanctuary is built using green architecture and operates on solar energy, water recycling, and organic waste management systems. Over 100 acres of degraded land have been restored into thriving green zones, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that benefits both animals and the local environment.
“Our efforts are not limited to the animals alone,” Mehra remarks. “By fostering ecological harmony, we ensure a healthier planet for all living beings.”
Impact on Local Communities and Wildlife Conservation
Vantara is transforming the local landscape, both literally and figuratively. Over 1,000 acres have been reforested, generating employment opportunities and enabling Indians to gain expertise in animal care and conservation. The sanctuary provides infrastructure and training that previously did not exist in India, allowing local communities to upskill, share knowledge, and better support wildlife.
“Our work extends beyond the sanctuary gates,” Mehra adds. “For every animal we care for, we are positively impacting countless others in the wild and in need.”
Recognition and Public Support
The initiative has garnered widespread acclaim from the public, government officials, and international conservation organizations. Forest officials, conservationists, and NGOs have praised Vantara’s ethical standards, transparency, and non-profit, humanitarian mission.
“The government has been incredibly supportive,” Mehra says. “People recognize the sincerity, scale, and long-term vision of our work. Anant Ambani’s emphasis on non-commercial, ethical care has truly resonated.”
Also read: Vantara: Lessons from India’s Supreme Court Verdict for Wildlife Conservation in Nigeria
Vantara as a Global Benchmark
Vantara is setting new benchmarks in ethical animal welfare. Its holistic approach—from rescue and rehabilitation to research and sustainable operations—is being recognized internationally. The sanctuary not only provides a haven for animals in need but also serves as a model for similar initiatives globally.
“Vantara is proof that compassion, innovation, and responsibility can coexist,” Mehra concludes. “It is a model that the world can follow.”
Also read: Intra Institute to Collaborate with Vantara for Advanced Animal Health Research
The Legacy of Vantara
Through the vision of Anant Ambani and the strategic guidance of Bharat Mehra, Vantara is poised to leave a lasting legacy. It exemplifies how ethical animal care, advanced technology, and community engagement can combine to create a sustainable future for wildlife.
As Mehra reflects, “Our mission is far from over. Each day at Vantara brings new opportunities to learn, innovate, and make a tangible difference in the lives of animals. We are building more than a sanctuary; we are building hope, respect, and a blueprint for the future of wildlife conservation.”
Vantara stands as a reminder that when humans act with empathy and foresight, the impact can ripple far beyond immediate surroundings. It is not just a sanctuary; it is a global model for ethical animal care, conservation excellence, and sustainable coexistence.
