Prime Minister Narendra Modi Visits Vantara
Jamnagar, 4th March 2025: Vantara, home to over 2,000 species and more than 1.5 lakh rescued, endangered, and threatened animals, had the honour of hosting the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent visit. The PM explored various state-of-the-art facilities at the centre and closely interacted with several rehabilitated species.
During his visit, the Prime Minister toured the wildlife hospital at Vantara, which is equipped with advanced veterinary facilities including MRI, CT scans, ICUs, and specialized departments such as Wildlife Anaesthesia, Cardiology, Nephrology, Endoscopy, Dentistry, and Internal Medicine. He witnessed firsthand the high standards of care provided to the animals and observed an Asiatic Lion undergoing an MRI scan. In the Operation Theatre, he saw a Leopard receiving a life-saving surgery after being rescued from a highway accident.
The Prime Minister engaged in a heartwarming interaction with various animals. He played with and fed Asiatic Lion cubs, a White Lion cub, a rare and endangered Clouded Leopard cub, and a Caracal cub. Notably, the White Lion cub he fed was born at the centre to a rescued mother. Recognizing the declining population of Caracals in India, he commended Vantara’s efforts in their captive breeding program aimed at reintroducing them into the wild.
In a remarkable moment, the PM sat face-to-face with some of the world’s most majestic predators, including a Golden Tiger, four Snow Tigers rescued from a circus, a White Lion, and a Snow Leopard. He also patted an Okapi, interacted closely with Chimpanzees rescued from domestic captivity, and embraced an Orangutan previously housed in an overcrowded facility. His visit further included viewing a Hippopotamus underwater, observing crocodiles, and walking among Zebras. He also fed a Giraffe and a One-Horned Rhino calf, the latter orphaned after its mother’s passing.
The Prime Minister also marvelled at the rare and exotic creatures housed at Vantara, including a large Python, a unique two-headed snake, a two-headed Turtle, a Tapir, Leopard cubs rescued from an agricultural field, a Giant Otter, a Bongo (antelope), and Seals. Additionally, he witnessed elephants enjoying their jacuzzi, a part of Vantara’s hydrotherapy program designed to aid their recovery from arthritis and foot ailments.
In recognition of Vantara’s commitment to conservation, the PM visited the world’s largest elephant hospital at the centre and released rescued parrots back into their natural habitat. He also took the time to interact with the dedicated doctors, support staff, and workers who manage the various facilities, acknowledging their unwavering commitment to animal welfare.
The visit underscored Vantara’s pivotal role in wildlife conservation, with key initiatives focused on the preservation of species such as the Asiatic Lion, Snow Leopard, and One-Horned Rhinoceros. The Prime Minister’s engagement and appreciation reaffirm the importance of continued efforts towards the rehabilitation and protection of endangered wildlife.
