Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Visit to Jamnagar
Vantara zoo: Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated Vantara, a world-class wildlife conservation, rescue, and rehabilitation center located in the Jamnagar district of Gujarat. This facility is one of the largest of its kind in the world, dedicated to animal care and preservation. Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, along with Nita Ambani, Anant Ambani, and Radhika Merchant, were also present at the event.
Interaction with Rescued Wildlife
During his visit, PM Modi interacted closely with various rescued and rehabilitated animals at the center. He inspected the wildlife hospital at Vantara, which is equipped with advanced medical facilities like MRI, CT scan, and ICU. He was seen playing with and feeding cubs of Asian lions, white lions, clouded leopards, and caracals—some of which are endangered species.
Conservation of Rare Species
Vantara is running special breeding and conservation programs for endangered species like the caracal, which was once commonly found in India but is now rarely seen. These animals are bred in captivity and released back into the wild to ensure their survival.
Medical and Rehabilitation Infrastructure
PM Modi also visited the hospital’s MRI room and observed the scanning of an Asian lion. He inspected the operation theatre where a leopard, injured in a road accident, was undergoing life-saving surgery.
Natural Habitat Simulation
To ensure a stress-free environment, rescued animals are housed in enclosures that closely resemble their natural habitats. The center focuses on preserving species like the Asian lion, snow leopard, and the one-horned rhinoceros.
Heartwarming Moments with Wildlife
PM Modi spent quality time with several exotic and rescued animals, including a golden tiger, four snow tigers rescued from a circus, a white lion, and a snow leopard. He affectionately petted an okapi, interacted with chimpanzees rescued from a pet facility, hugged orangutans, and observed a hippopotamus underwater. He also walked among zebras and fed a baby giraffe and an orphaned rhino calf whose mother had died in captivity.
Vantara zoo Special Care for Elephants
The Prime Minister explored a unique jacuzzi and hydrotherapy pool designed for elephants suffering from arthritis and leg injuries. He also reviewed the operations of the world’s largest elephant hospital, located within the Vantara facility.
Also read: Vantara: The World’s Largest Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Center
Protection of Birds and Reptiles
The center also shelters a wide variety of reptiles and birds. PM Modi observed parrots being released, and encountered species like a large python, two-headed snake, two-headed turtle, tapir, leopard cubs rescued from farms, giant otters, bongos, and seals.
Appreciation for Staff and Conservationists
PM Modi interacted with doctors, veterinarians, support staff, and caretakers at the center. He appreciated their efforts and commitment to wildlife conservation and care.
Also read: Vantara Prani Mitra Award: A New Benchmark in Animal Welfare
Message on World Wildlife Day
On the occasion of World Wildlife Day, PM Modi also visited Gir National Park and enjoyed a lion safari. He shared a heartfelt message:
“On World Wildlife Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to protect and preserve the incredible biodiversity of our planet. Every species plays a vital role—let us secure their future for generations to come. We take pride in India’s contributions to wildlife conservation and protection.”
