JAMNAGAR: Vantara, a well-known rescue center for captive elephants and other wild animals, founded by philanthropist Anant Ambani, is set to welcome 20 rescued elephant-10 males, 8 females, 1 sub-adult, and 1 calf freed from the exploitative logging industry in Arunachal Pradesh. This operation, approved by the High-Powered Committee appointed by the Tripura High Court and supported by the Supreme Court of India, was done with the full consent of the elephants' current owners.
The rescued elephants will live at Vantara, where the surroundings are like their natural home. They will be free from chains and won’t have to work. The elephants include Laxmi, a 10-year-old who has injuries from being tamed, Maya, a 2-year-old calf, and her mother Rongmoti, who has bad wounds from working in logging. Ramu and Babulal, two male elephants, also have injuries from being held in captivity, including restraints and fights with wild elephants.
Along with caring for the elephants for life, Vantara’s rescue operation also creates new job opportunities for the owners, mahouts, and their families. The mahouts and others involved will be trained in kind and scientific methods for managing elephants. This training will help ensure the elephants receive compassionate care and teach caregivers how to take care of them in the best way.
The organization followed all the rules in the Wildlife Act, 1972. They got permission from the Gujarat and Arunachal Pradesh Forest Departments to move the elephants. The elephants will travel in special ambulances, with Maya traveling with her mother.
A team of over 200 experts, including vets, caretakers, and ambulance drivers, will make sure the elephants are safely moved, following strict rules for their well-being.
A 2020 study in the Gajah journal said that many elephants in Arunachal Pradesh are born in captivity. These elephants sometimes meet wild bulls in forest areas. However, fewer people are owning elephants now because they are no longer needed for logging after the ban.
Mr. Tabang Jamoh, a Forest Officer in Namsai, said, "There are about 200 captive elephants in Arunachal Pradesh. We are checking their health using DNA tests. Sending 20 elephants to Vantara will help improve their lives and give local people new job opportunities."
Dr. Sorang Tadap, a vet at Itanagar Biological Park, spoke about the health problems of captive elephants, such as injuries, arthritis, and stress. He praised Vantara for giving rescued elephants good medical care and long-term support, setting a great example for their well-being.
Chow Thamasala Mein, one of the elephant owners, emphasized the significance of the initiative: "With wood logging banned, we no longer wish to use our elephants for such labor. We are happy that they will now be cared for at Vantara. This project also gives us stable jobs and regular income, helping to secure a better future for our children.
In the logging industry, elephants are hurt, poorly fed, and always chained. They can’t act naturally and are forced to work, causing mental harm. At Vantara, they will heal and live freely, without work or chains.