“Our sacred Vedas teach us to serve not only humanity, but also all forms of life on our beautiful planet,” said Nita Ambani, founder and chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, as she praised her youngest son Anant Ambani’s latest venture Vantara — a zoological research, rescue, and rehabilitation centre for abused, neglected, exploited, and endangered animals.
Speaking at the Reliance Industries Limited AGM, Nita Ambani said: “Another programme that I am especially proud of this year is spearheaded by my youngest son, Anant. From the time he was a little boy, Anant has shown us how to be gentler and more compassionate as humans.”
She added: “Guided by this wisdom, and under Anant’s enthusiastic and dedicated leadership, we established Vantara, a sanctuary of hope and healing for every being. Located in Jamnagar, Vantara is a zoological research, rescue, and rehabilitation centre for abused, neglected, exploited, and endangered animals not only from India but all over the world.”
Spanning over 3,500 acres, Vantara is home to more than 2,000 species and has impacted the lives of one million animals and birds. Vantara also runs Asia’s largest wildlife animal hospital, with state-of-the-art equipment, more than 50 custom-made animal ambulances, and extensive medical facilities.
“Our conservation and rehabilitation efforts also focus on protecting critically endangered species and restoring rare and vital habitats. Jamnagar is the Janmabhoomi of Anant’s Grandmother Smt. Kokilaben Ambani and the Karmabhoomi of his Grandfather Shri Dhirubhai Ambani. Mukesh and I are very proud to see Anant make Jamnagar his Sevabhoomi,” she said.
Within its programmes, Vantara also focuses on integrating advanced research and collaboration with reputed international universities and organisations such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF).
Over the last few years, the programme has rescued more than 200 elephants, and thousands of other animals, reptiles and birds from unsafe situations. It has undertaken initiatives in key species including rhino, leopard and crocodile rehabilitation.
Earlier, speaking at the recently concluded Paris Olympics, Nita Ambani had called Anant’s venture “a reminder of core Indian philosophy of empathy and respect for all living beings”.
“Vantara means a star of the forest. Vantara is a beacon of hope and healing. With my youngest son Anant’s passionate leadership and our foundation’s support, Vantara is restoring balance and preserving the intricate harmony of life. In Vantara’s rescue and rehabilitation centres, over 2,000 species of animals from all over the world have found a home,” said Nita Ambani.
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