Reliance Industries and Reliance Foundation inaugurated the ‘Vantara’ (Star of the Forest) initiative for animal welfare on Monday. The initiative will focus on the rescue, treatment, care, and rehabilitation of wounded, mistreated, and threatened animals in India and overseas. The Vantara program was developed under the direction of Anant Ambani, a director on the boards of RIL and the Reliance Foundation.
“What began as a passion for me at a young age has now become a mission for Vantara and our creative and dedicated staff. We are focused on protecting critically endangered species native to India,” Ambani stated.
“We also intend to restore critical ecosystems, address pressing threats to species, and establish Vantara as a cutting-edge conservation initiative. We are overjoyed that our efforts have been recognized in India and around the world,” he added.
Vantara- Initiative for Animals
Vantara seeks to establish world-class animal conservation and care techniques, as well as cutting-edge healthcare, hospitals, research, and academic facilities. The effort is being carried out in partnership with prestigious international institutions and organizations such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF).
Over the previous few years, the initiative has saved over 200 elephants and thousands of other creatures, reptiles, and birds from dangerous circumstances. It has launched projects to rehabilitate critical wildlife species like as rhinos, leopards, and crocodiles.
Vantara has also assisted in rescue efforts in nations such as Mexico and Venezuela.
The Vantara initiative has collaborated with international institutions such as the Venezuelan National Foundation of Zoos, as well as reputable organizations throughout the world such as the Smithsonian and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. In India, it works with the National Zoological Park, the Assam State Zoo, the Nagaland Zoological Park, and the Sardar Patel Zoological Park.
Vantara’s Aim
Anant Ambani says that Vantara intends to collaborate with the Zoo Authority of India and other relevant government entities. It will benefit all of India’s 150+ zoos by improving training, capacity building, and animal care facilities.
“We hope Vantara becomes a beacon of hope globally and can showcase how a forward-thinking institution can help the global biodiversity conservation initiatives,” Ambani said in a press release.
Under the Vantara initiative, 3000 acres of Reliance’s Jamnagar Refinery Complex’s Green Belt in Gujarat have been transformed into a jungle-like environment that resembles the natural, nourishing, lush, and green habitat in which the rescued species can flourish.
