Posted on by Priyanka Deshpande

Vantara animal welfare initiative: A look at the successful rescue and rehabilitation stories

Reliance Industries (RIL) and Reliance Foundation unveiled the Vantara (Star of the Forest) program on Monday, February 26. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive support for the rescue, treatment, and rehabilitation of animals facing injury, abuse, or threats – within India and internationally.
Spanning 3,000 acres within the Green Belt of Reliance’s Jamnagar Refinery Complex in Gujarat, the initiative marks the first-of-its-kind effort in India. Spearheaded by Anant Ambani, Director of RIL and Reliance Foundation, Vantara aims to be one of the leading contributors to conservation efforts globally.
Within the premises, a Rescue and Rehabilitation centre spanning more than 650 acres has been established. In recent years, the program has successfully rescued over 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. Take a look at some of the success stories.
Treatment of Beak Fracture of a Rescued Hornbill | A female Abyssinian Ground Hornbill with a fractured upper beak was rescued by the Vantara team after suffering a traumatic injury. The Hornbill was placed under intensive care, receiving fluid therapy and assisted feeding three times a day. Expert veterinarians later performed a necessary surgical correction on the fractured upper beak, using a unique technique involving pinning and light-activated orthodontic adhesive bonding. After being discharged, she returned to her enclosure and is now leading a happy and fulfilling life, able to eat normally.
Emergency Treatment of a Rescued Leopard | Leopard Shambhu, a victim of infighting, had four canine marks around the neck, indicating potential damage to internal organs. A swift response by the veterinary team included sedation and examination using Karl Storz Endoscopy, revealing three esophageal puncture wounds. Urgent surgical intervention successfully closed the wounds, and careful post-surgery management, including Total Parental Nutrition, ensured Shambhu’s gradual recovery, with oral feeding introduced after fifteen days.
Surgical Intervention for Reproductive Disorder in a Burmese Python | Sera, a female Burmese python was brought to Vantara with a serious reproductive issue. Involved in a breeding program for egg sales, Sera developed a severe condition with a swollen coelom and a life-threatening infection due to egg impaction. Vantara’s veterinary team conducted exams, revealing 27 rotten eggs causing the infection. Swift surgery removed the mass, and Sera was shifted to an isolated environment where she showed positive signs of recovery, including an interest in food.
Treatment of Upper-Beak Injury in a Palm Cockatoo | Luna, a palm cockatoo, faced a severe upper beak injury leading to beak rot. The wildlife veterinary rescue team intervened, performing a life-changing procedure under gas anesthesia. Skilled veterinarians removed necrotic material, cleaned the infection, and took a sample for a microbiological culture. Post-procedure, Luna was kept under observation and given plenty of rest and nutritious food. She recovered gradually, regaining strength, and eventually could eat without pain.
Correction of broken jaw in Marsh crocodile | Marsh crocodile Kavita faced a critical situation due to neglected husbandry practices, resulting in a severe upper jaw infection and the inability to eat. The rescue center’s team swiftly implemented medicated therapy to stabilise her condition. After restoring her health, they performed a delicate surgery to provide Kavita with a prosthetic jaw. Under careful observation, Kavita made remarkable progress and resumed normal feeding habits with restored appetite.
Treatment for Malnourishment of Rescued Asiatic Black Bears | A pair of Asiatic black bears, rescued from Northeastern India, faced severe health issues, including respiratory distress and malformations due to growth deficits. The Vantara facility provided intensive care, with a preliminary examination revealing malnourishment-induced bone malformations affecting their breathing. Blood analysis, X-rays, and CT scans detailed the extent of their condition. The expert team initiated therapy, using epidermal growth factors and anabolic steroids to enhance breathing patterns and correct morphological defects caused by poor nutrition. Post-treatment, the bears made a remarkable recovery and now happily adapting to their new life.
Treatment of Elephant for Severe Leg Wounds | Elephant Motiprasad, arrived at Vantara with severe injuries from multiple spear wounds across his legs, ears, and trunk. Due to his history of poor welfare, he was unresponsive to commands and had to be treated him from a safe distance. The team washed his wounds with a pressure washer and applied ointment using a bamboo pole. Oral painkillers were given in fruits, jaggery, and ragi laddoo. Reuniting Motiprasad with his former mahout proved pivotal in gaining his trust and cooperation for treatment. X-rays revealed aggressive infection in hind leg bones, leading to an aggressive dressing approach twice a day, including tissue debridement and medication. Special care, proper diet, exercise, and a rubber mat imported from Canada aided healing. Nerve tonic injections were administered for persistent pain. After two months of intensive treatment, the wound started healing, and after three months, Motiprasad made a full recovery.
An adult male leopard was rescued from a zoo on April 2021. During clinical examination it was found that the leopard was having obstructed vision in the left eye due to cherry eye condition. Cherry eye is a disorder of the nictitating membrane (NM), also called the third eyelid. It is caused by a defect in the retinaculum which is responsible for anchoring the gland to the periorbita. This defect causes the gland to prolapse and protrude from the eye as a red fleshy mass. After clinical examination, surgery was conducted for removal of excess growth under general anaesthesia. The growth was removed with proper care and the animal is gaining proper vision after the surgery.