Vantara Wins ‘Prani Mitra’ Award: In a proud moment for Indian wildlife conservation, Vantara, the expansive rescue and rehabilitation center established by Anant Ambani in Jamnagar, Gujarat, has been honored with the prestigious ‘Prani Mitra’ Award. This national-level recognition is a testament to Vantara’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of rescued, injured, and endangered animals across the country.
What is the ‘Prani Mitra’ Award?
The ‘Prani Mitra’ Award is conferred by the Animal Welfare Board of India, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India. It is presented to individuals and institutions that have made exceptional contributions to the care, protection, and rehabilitation of animals in distress.
Winning this award signifies adherence to the highest standards of animal welfare, ethical treatment, and long-term conservation efforts.
Why Vantara Was Chosen
Spanning over 3,000 acres, Vantara is one of the largest wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facilities in the world. Operated under the Reliance Foundation, it currently houses over 2,000 animals across 43 species—including elephants, leopards, lions, tigers, and exotic birds most of which were rescued from captivity, abuse, or illegal trade.
The Animal Welfare Board praised Vantara for:
- Providing state-of-the-art veterinary care, including MRI, CT scan, and dialysis facilities for animals.
- Constructing a 25,000 sq. ft. elephant hospital offering hydrotherapy, Ayurvedic massages, and trauma care.
- Maintaining naturalistic habitats instead of traditional cages, allowing animals to recover in environments resembling the wild.
- Focusing solely on rescue, not tourism or entertainment, ensuring zero commercialization of wildlife.
A Vision by Anant Ambani
Vantara is the brainchild of Anant Ambani, whose vision goes beyond conventional conservation. His goal was to create a model facility that not only rescues animals but also rehabilitates them in a stress-free, healing environment. The ‘Prani Mitra’ Award is a national validation of his deep commitment to animal rights and ethical wildlife management.
What This Means for India
Vantara’s recognition sets a new benchmark for wildlife care and rescue facilities across India. It highlights the growing importance of ethical, scientifically managed conservation spaces and paves the way for more public-private collaborations in the field of biodiversity preservation.
The award also brings global attention to India’s role in protecting endangered species and preserving ecological balance in the face of rising environmental threats.
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