Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vantara animal rescue and rehabilitation center in Jamnagar on Sunday during his three-day visit to Gujarat.
Vantara houses over 1.5 lakh rescued, endangered, and threatened animals from more than 2,000 species. During his visit, PM Modi closely interacted with rehabilitated animals and toured the wildlife hospital, which is equipped with advanced medical facilities like MRI, CT scans, and ICUs. The hospital has specialized departments, including Wildlife Anesthesia, Cardiology, Nephrology, Endoscopy, and Internal Medicine.
The Prime Minister observed an MRI being conducted on an Asiatic Lion and visited an operation theater where a leopard was undergoing life-saving surgery after a highway accident. He was also seen feeding and playing with various animals, including Asiatic Lion cubs and White Lion cubs. Notably, the White Lion cub he fed was born at Vantara after its rescued mother received care at the facility. He also shared a lighthearted moment, giving a high-five to a lion.
The center plays a key role in conservation efforts for endangered species such as Clouded Leopards and Caracals, with a dedicated breeding program to later release them into the wild. Animals are housed in enclosures designed to replicate their natural habitat, with conservation initiatives focusing on Asiatic Lions, Snow Leopards, and One-Horned Rhinoceroses.
PM Modi also had close encounters with rare wildlife, including a Golden Tiger, four rescued Snow Tigers, an Okapi, an orangutan, a giraffe, and an orphaned rhino calf. He walked among zebras, witnessed a two-headed snake and turtle, and interacted with rescued leopard cubs.
At the elephant hospital—the largest of its kind globally—he observed hydrotherapy pools aiding elephants with arthritis and mobility issues. He also visited elephants relaxing in their jacuzzi. Additionally, he released rescued parrots and engaged with doctors, staff, and workers managing the center’s facilities.