Maharashtra Plans to Move 50 Leopards to Vantara: Inside Anant Ambani’s Massive Wildlife Rescue Centre in Jamnagar
India’s largest wildlife rescue project Vantara, led by Anant Ambani in Jamnagar, could soon receive around 50 rescued leopards from Maharashtra as part of efforts to manage human–wildlife conflict. Spread across 3,000 acres, the sanctuary houses over 1.5 lakh rescued animals and features advanced veterinary facilities and rehabilitation centres.
Mar 14, 2026, 19:38 IST
India’s rapidly expanding wildlife rescue project Vantara, spearheaded by Anant Ambani, may soon receive dozens of rescued big cats from Maharashtra as part of an effort to better manage human–wildlife conflict.
According to a report by Press Trust of India (PTI), the Maharashtra government is considering relocating around 50 leopards to the Jamnagar-based wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre.
The move is expected to support conservation efforts while ensuring improved care and monitoring for rescued animals.
Maharashtra Looks to Vantara for Leopard Rehabilitation
PTI reported that the proposal emerged after discussions between the Maharashtra forest department and the management of the Vantara project.
Forest officials have been grappling with increasing human–leopard encounters in parts of the state, particularly in areas where expanding human settlements overlap with wildlife habitats.
Authorities believe that shifting rescued leopards to a specialised rehabilitation facility could help ease pressure on local rescue centres while providing the animals with long-term care.
What Is Vantara?
Vantara is one of India’s most ambitious wildlife rescue and rehabilitation initiatives. The project is supported by Reliance Foundation and is located within the Reliance Jamnagar refinery complex in Gujarat.
Spread across nearly 3,000 acres, the facility has been designed as a sanctuary for animals rescued from illegal wildlife trade, circuses and unsuitable captivity.
The project’s name, “Vantara”, translates to Star of the Forest, reflecting its focus on wildlife protection and conservation.
The centre was formally inaugurated in March 2025 by Narendra Modi, who visited the facility to review its rescue infrastructure and conservation initiatives.
Home to Over 1.5 Lakh Rescued Animals
Vantara currently houses more than 1.5 lakh rescued animals across over 2,000 species, making it one of the largest wildlife rescue centres in the world.
Among the animals currently being cared for at the facility are:
Asiatic lion and Bengal tiger
Snow leopard and rare golden tigers
Elephants rescued from captivity
Exotic reptiles and amphibians
Rare and endangered bird species
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi also observed several rare animals, including snow leopards and a group of snow tiger brothers that had earlier been rescued from a circus.
A Closer Look at Vantara’s Facilities
Elephant Rehabilitation Centre
One of the most prominent sections of Vantara is its 600-acre elephant care facility, designed specifically for elephants rescued from captivity.
The centre provides large open habitats along with treatment facilities such as hydrotherapy pools and specialised elephant jacuzzis used to treat arthritis and joint problems.
Advanced Wildlife Hospital
The sanctuary also houses a state-of-the-art wildlife hospital spanning around one lakh square feet. The hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostic technologies including MRI scanners, CT scans, X-ray machines and intensive care units.
Veterinary experts can also collaborate with global specialists through remote consultations and video-assisted procedures.
Naturalistic Enclosures
Animals at Vantara are kept in large, natural habitat-style enclosures rather than conventional cages. These spaces replicate natural ecosystems with vegetation, water bodies and climate conditions suited to each species.
Can Visitors Enter Vantara?
At present, Vantara is not open to the public.
Although the facility began operations in 2024, its primary focus remains on wildlife rescue, treatment and rehabilitation.
However, Anant Ambani has indicated that the sanctuary may eventually allow guided educational visits, which would help raise awareness about wildlife conservation without turning the facility into a conventional zoo.
Ticket Price and Entry Details
Since public access has not yet begun, ticket prices and booking details have not been announced.
If visitor access is introduced in the future, it is expected to involve limited guided tours focused on conservation and animal welfare education.
A Growing Role in Wildlife Conservation
Vantara operates under the philosophy of “Jeev Seva” — service to animals and aims to evolve into a global hub for wildlife rescue, veterinary treatment and conservation research.
Future plans include expanding rescue programmes and working with institutions such as the Central Zoo Authority to strengthen wildlife care infrastructure across the country.
If the Maharashtra government proceeds with the relocation plan, Vantara could soon become an important centre for the rehabilitation of rescued leopards and other big cats in India, marking a significant step in the country’s conservation efforts
According to a report by Press Trust of India (PTI), the Maharashtra government is considering relocating around 50 leopards to the Jamnagar-based wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre.
The move is expected to support conservation efforts while ensuring improved care and monitoring for rescued animals.
Maharashtra Looks to Vantara for Leopard Rehabilitation
PTI reported that the proposal emerged after discussions between the Maharashtra forest department and the management of the Vantara project.
Forest officials have been grappling with increasing human–leopard encounters in parts of the state, particularly in areas where expanding human settlements overlap with wildlife habitats.
Authorities believe that shifting rescued leopards to a specialised rehabilitation facility could help ease pressure on local rescue centres while providing the animals with long-term care.
What Is Vantara?
Vantara is one of India’s most ambitious wildlife rescue and rehabilitation initiatives. The project is supported by Reliance Foundation and is located within the Reliance Jamnagar refinery complex in Gujarat.
Spread across nearly 3,000 acres, the facility has been designed as a sanctuary for animals rescued from illegal wildlife trade, circuses and unsuitable captivity.
The project’s name, “Vantara”, translates to Star of the Forest, reflecting its focus on wildlife protection and conservation.
The centre was formally inaugurated in March 2025 by Narendra Modi, who visited the facility to review its rescue infrastructure and conservation initiatives.
Home to Over 1.5 Lakh Rescued Animals
Vantara currently houses more than 1.5 lakh rescued animals across over 2,000 species, making it one of the largest wildlife rescue centres in the world.
Among the animals currently being cared for at the facility are:
Asiatic lion and Bengal tiger
Snow leopard and rare golden tigers
Elephants rescued from captivity
Exotic reptiles and amphibians
Rare and endangered bird species
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi also observed several rare animals, including snow leopards and a group of snow tiger brothers that had earlier been rescued from a circus.
A Closer Look at Vantara’s Facilities
Elephant Rehabilitation Centre
One of the most prominent sections of Vantara is its 600-acre elephant care facility, designed specifically for elephants rescued from captivity.
The centre provides large open habitats along with treatment facilities such as hydrotherapy pools and specialised elephant jacuzzis used to treat arthritis and joint problems.
Advanced Wildlife Hospital
The sanctuary also houses a state-of-the-art wildlife hospital spanning around one lakh square feet. The hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostic technologies including MRI scanners, CT scans, X-ray machines and intensive care units.
Veterinary experts can also collaborate with global specialists through remote consultations and video-assisted procedures.
Naturalistic Enclosures
Animals at Vantara are kept in large, natural habitat-style enclosures rather than conventional cages. These spaces replicate natural ecosystems with vegetation, water bodies and climate conditions suited to each species.
Can Visitors Enter Vantara?
At present, Vantara is not open to the public.
Although the facility began operations in 2024, its primary focus remains on wildlife rescue, treatment and rehabilitation.
However, Anant Ambani has indicated that the sanctuary may eventually allow guided educational visits, which would help raise awareness about wildlife conservation without turning the facility into a conventional zoo.
Ticket Price and Entry Details
Since public access has not yet begun, ticket prices and booking details have not been announced.
If visitor access is introduced in the future, it is expected to involve limited guided tours focused on conservation and animal welfare education.
A Growing Role in Wildlife Conservation
Vantara operates under the philosophy of “Jeev Seva” — service to animals and aims to evolve into a global hub for wildlife rescue, veterinary treatment and conservation research.
Future plans include expanding rescue programmes and working with institutions such as the Central Zoo Authority to strengthen wildlife care infrastructure across the country.
If the Maharashtra government proceeds with the relocation plan, Vantara could soon become an important centre for the rehabilitation of rescued leopards and other big cats in India, marking a significant step in the country’s conservation efforts