Elephants Transported From Arunachal to Ambani's Vantara Via Assam

• Image Credit: Google

• Jan 19, 2025 | Parikalpita Gogoi

Digital Desk: A massive convoy of over 20 animal ambulances on Guwahati's road created a sharp reaction from animal lovers on Sunday morning. The vehicles were coming from Arunachal to Guwahati to transport elephants to the Reliance Industries' Zoo at Jamnagar, Gujarat. Escorted by a heavy police force, the animal ambulances were spotted heading to Gujarat.

Till now, Assam State Zoo has transferred several animals to the Ambani's Zoo in Gujarat. Animals being transported from Assam Zoo to Jamnagar sparked controversy, raising concerns and subsequent protests among people like environmentalists, wildlife activists, and nature  lovers. However, Assam Zoo said that the shifting of animals had been done with proper authorization.

People are raising questions about the transparency and legality of the shifting of animals to a privately owned zoo of Anant Ambani, younger son of Reliance Industries Chairman, Mukesh Ambani.

In the year, 2022, Vantara received 64 animals, including 17 African spurred tortoises, one bearded capuchin, one kangaroo, two black-crested mangabeys, six booted macaques, one white-cheeked gibbon, two one-horned rhinos among others from Assam Zoo.

The role of the Assam Forest Department and Assam Police also remained doubtful as no official statement had been issued regarding the transfer of animals. However, the information was revealed after the publishing of the 2022-23 Annual Report of the Greens Zoological, Rescue, and Rehabilitation Centre.

Vantara, which means 'Star of the forest' is the world's largest zoo and rehabilitation center, and spans 3,000 acres situated at Jamnagar. The project aims to be an abode for abused and injured animals, designed to recreate a natural habitat for the animals. This rehabilitation center has healthcare facilities and research institutions.