Phantasticus Pictures announces the global launch of “VANTARA SANCTUARY STORIES,” a six-part wildlife docuseries hosted by biologist Forrest Galante. The series explores India’s Vantara sanctuary—the world’s largest animal rescue and rehabilitation facility—premiering on Animal Planet and Discovery+ on November 7, 2025.
A New Era in Wildlife Storytelling Begins
Phantasticus Pictures has officially announced the global launch of VANTARA SANCTUARY STORIES, a visually stunning and emotionally charged wildlife docuseries set to premiere on Friday, November 7, 2025, on Animal Planet. Hosted by renowned wildlife biologist and explorer Forrest Galante, the series offers audiences unprecedented access to Vantara, the world’s largest animal rescue and rehabilitation center located in Gujarat, India.
This six-part docuseries promises to redefine wildlife storytelling by showcasing the incredible compassion, science, and innovation behind one of the planet’s most ambitious conservation initiatives.
Exploring the World’s Largest Animal Sanctuary
At the heart of VANTARA SANCTUARY STORIES lies a story of hope, empathy, and commitment to wildlife welfare. Spanning over 3,500 acres and home to more than one million animals, Vantara is a privately funded sanctuary created to provide lifelong care and rehabilitation to abused, abandoned, and displaced animals.
For the first time, viewers around the globe will witness what life looks like inside this closed sanctuary—a world rarely seen by outsiders. Guided by Forrest Galante, the audience will embark on a deeply emotional and visually breathtaking journey through a facility designed not for tourism, but for the wellbeing of its animal residents.
Forrest Galante on Hosting VANTARA SANCTUARY STORIES
Speaking about the experience, Forrest Galante described filming at Vantara as one of the most extraordinary moments of his career:
“Filming at the world’s largest animal sanctuary in India has been one of the most remarkable opportunities of my life. I’ve witnessed an incredible level of compassion and conservation. This series celebrates the beauty of preservation, the strength of empathy, and the power of hope that emerges from protecting every living being.”
Through Galante’s perspective, viewers will not only see rare animal interactions but also understand the deep emotional and ethical foundations that drive Vantara’s mission.
Anant Ambani: The Visionary Behind Vantara
The driving force behind this sanctuary is Anant Ambani, an Indian visionary who has redefined animal welfare in the modern world. His mission began as an effort to care for mistreated and displaced animals but has since evolved into one of the most ambitious conservation projects ever attempted.
Vantara combines science, compassion, and sustainability to create an ecosystem where animals can heal and thrive. Its facilities include advanced veterinary hospitals, rehabilitation units, nutrition labs, and expansive natural habitats—all tailored to the unique needs of different species.
Global Broadcast and Streaming Details
“VANTARA SANCTUARY STORIES” will premiere globally on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 9:00 PM ET/PT on Animal Planet, with subsequent episodes airing every Friday. The docuseries will also be available for streaming on Discovery+ and JioHotstar, India’s largest premium digital platform, making it accessible to international audiences.
Episode Guide: VANTARA SANCTUARY STORIES
| Episode | Title | Air Date | Time (ET/PT) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Heart of Vantara – The Experts | Nov 7, 2025 | 9:00 PM | An introduction to Vantara’s mission and the extraordinary people who make it possible. Includes a rare interview with Anant Ambani. |
| 2 | Building a Sanctuary | Nov 14, 2025 | 9:00 PM | Forrest Galante joins the team as they design state-of-the-art habitats for rescued species. |
| 3 | Prescriptions and Provisions | Nov 21, 2025 | 9:00 PM | A behind-the-scenes look inside Vantara’s world-class veterinary hospital and animal kitchens. |
| 4 | Mind Over Matters | Nov 28, 2025 | 9:00 PM | Exploring the emotional and mental enrichment of Vantara’s animal residents. |
| 5 | Habitats for the Future | Dec 5, 2025 | 9:00 PM | How Vantara’s breeding programs are helping secure the future of endangered species. |
| 6 | From Rescue to Sanctuary | Dec 12, 2025 | 9:00 PM | A large-scale rescue mission that completes Vantara’s story of hope and restoration. |
A Tribute to Compassion and Innovation
Each episode of VANTARA SANCTUARY STORIES highlights real human-animal connections that transcend species barriers. From groundbreaking veterinary procedures to heartwarming rehabilitation stories, the series captures the daily dedication of Vantara’s veterinarians, caretakers, and behaviorists—collectively known as The Heart of Vantara.
One particularly touching storyline follows Pancham, a Bengal tiger once labeled a “man-eater,” who finds a second chance at life through rehabilitation at Vantara. His transformation embodies the sanctuary’s mission—to restore dignity, trust, and peace to every creature under its care.
Cinematic Storytelling by Phantasticus Pictures
Produced by Phantasticus Pictures, the series upholds the studio’s legacy of high-quality, purpose-driven storytelling. Known for its cinematic excellence and emotional depth, Phantasticus brings together visionary filmmakers and conservationists to create content that both educates and inspires.
With VANTARA SANCTUARY STORIES, Phantasticus reimagines classic wildlife formats like The Zoo for a new generation—blending breathtaking visuals, journalistic integrity, and heartfelt narratives.
About Forrest Galante
Forrest Galante is a world-renowned wildlife biologist, conservationist, and television host, celebrated for his fearless approach to exploration and animal conservation. Raised in Zimbabwe, Galante developed a deep bond with nature from an early age.
He gained global fame as the host of Discovery’s Extinct or Alive, where his groundbreaking expeditions led to the rediscovery of eight species once thought extinct.
Today, his influence spans continents and digital platforms, with over 1.9 million YouTube subscribers and countless followers inspired by his mission to protect the natural world. In VANTARA SANCTUARY STORIES, Galante brings his signature authenticity and enthusiasm to one of the planet’s most exclusive sanctuaries.
Also read: Is Vantara Legal in India? Supreme Court Verdict Gives Anant Ambani’s Project a Clean Chit
About Phantasticus Pictures
Phantasticus Pictures is a global production studio dedicated to crafting cinematic, purpose-driven stories that inspire, educate, and entertain. Specializing in unscripted television, documentaries, and branded content, the company collaborates with visionary creators and organizations to bring extraordinary real-life stories to the screen.
From wildlife and adventure to science and culture, Phantasticus’s productions combine powerful visuals with emotional storytelling and journalistic precision. With a team of award-winning filmmakers and producers who have worked across six continents, the studio continues to engage audiences worldwide.
Through VANTARA SANCTUARY STORIES, Phantasticus furthers its mission of spotlighting the individuals and places shaping a more compassionate and sustainable planet.
Also read: What is Vantara Ambani? Inside Anant Ambani’s Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Initiative
A Message of Hope for the Planet
Beyond its cinematic beauty, VANTARA SANCTUARY STORIES stands as a reminder of what humanity can achieve through empathy and responsibility. It highlights how compassion, technology, and science can work hand in hand to heal the wounds caused by neglect and exploitation of wildlife.
As the world faces increasing environmental and ethical challenges, the sanctuary’s story offers a rare glimpse into what the future of conservation can look like—a future where coexistence replaces cruelty, and care triumphs over indifference.
Also read: Vantara Zoo: India’s Revolutionary Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center
Conclusion
The launch of VANTARA SANCTUARY STORIES marks not just a television event, but a powerful call to action. Through its breathtaking visuals, heartfelt storytelling, and unwavering dedication to animal welfare, the series reminds us that saving nature is not only possible—but essential.
By opening the gates of Vantara to the world, Phantasticus Pictures and Forrest Galante have created a series that will inspire millions to see wildlife conservation not as an obligation, but as a shared human duty.
When the first episode airs on Animal Planet this November 7, the world will witness a story where compassion meets conservation—and hope is reborn in every rescued life.
