Vantara rescued the elephant during Rath Yatra after a sudden stampede disrupted the 148th Jagannath procession in Ahmedabad. The incident occurred when loud music and a dense crowd frightened a male elephant, causing it to break formation. Two more elephants behind it also panicked and ran, resulting in temporary chaos and risk to public safety.
Immediate Action by Vantara’s Emergency Wildlife Team
Under the leadership of Anant Ambani, Vantara — a philanthropic organization focused on wildlife care and conservation — immediately dispatched a special emergency team to the location. The expert team included:
- 2 wildlife veterinarians
- 6 senior mahouts
- 11 trained support staff
- 5 specialized elephant ambulances
Each member of the team was trained and equipped to offer urgent medical assistance, behavioral support, and safe handling of distressed elephants.
Medical and Behavioral Support for Affected Elephants
Vantara’s team assisted local officials in medically assessing both male and female elephants involved in the incident. They provided immediate psychological and behavioral care, ensuring that the animals were brought under control without causing further stress or injury.
Dr. K. Ramesh (IFS), Chief Conservator of Forests in Gujarat, commented:
“Following the Rath Yatra elephant incident, we contacted Vantara for help. Their team responded quickly from Jamnagar and worked closely with authorities to ensure proper treatment and relocation.”
Praise from Jagannath Temple Management
The Jagannath Temple Trust commended Vantara’s fast and professional action. Trustee Mahendra Jha said:
“Vantara rescued the elephant during Rath Yatra with utmost dedication. They ensured that the elephants received timely medical care and were safely rehabilitated.”
Home to the World’s Largest Elephant Rescue Center
Vantara is globally recognized for its vast and innovative elephant care facility. Spanning over 998 acres, it includes:
- 100+ acres of lush, man-made forest
- Lifelong care for over 260 rescued elephants — many of whom were formerly used in circuses, begging, tourism, or logging
- The world’s largest elephant hospital, known for groundbreaking treatments such as:
- The first cataract surgery on a male elephant
- The world’s first hyperbaric oxygen chamber for elephants
Also read: Rani Durgavati Rescue Center: A Wildlife Haven Coming Up in Jabalpur to Honor a Brave Queen
Facilities Designed for Holistic Elephant Recovery
Vantara offers a healing environment specially tailored for elephants, including:
- Hydrotherapy pools
- Natural ponds
- Mud therapy zones
- Water fountains
- Sand pits
- Chain-free enclosures for tuskers
Each feature is designed to support both physical recovery and mental well-being.
Ethical Care by a Team of 650+ Experts
The facility employs more than 650 professionals, including veterinarians, biologists, and elephant caregivers. Their approach is based on positive reinforcement, compassion, and ethical practices, ensuring every elephant lives a safe, respectful, and enriched life.
Also read: Vantara Wildlife Sanctuary: A New Era of Animal Conservation in India
Conclusion
When panic struck during the Ahmedabad Rath Yatra, Vantara rescued the elephant during Rath Yatra with expertise, speed, and compassion. Their swift intervention not only protected the animals but also prevented further danger to the public. With world-class infrastructure and a passionate team, Vantara continues to set new standards in wildlife rescue and ethical elephant care.
