Anant Ambani’s Vantara Wins ‘Prani Mitra’ National Award For Exceptional Elephant Welfare Contributions

February 27, 2025: Anant Ambani’s Vantara has been awarded the prestigious ‘Prani Mitra’ National Award by the Government of India under the ‘Corporate’ category for its outstanding contributions to animal welfare, specifically for its work with elephants. This recognition highlights the immense dedication of Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust (RKTEWT), an initiative under Vantara, which is focused on rescuing, treating, and providing lifelong care to elephants.

At the heart of this achievement is Vantara’s state-of-the-art Elephant Care Centre, designed to offer a safe, chain-free, and enriching environment for over 240 rescued elephants. Among them are 30 elephants from circuses, over 100 from the logging industry, and others rescued from exploitative practices like begging and rides. These elephants, many of whom have suffered neglect and mistreatment for years, now receive world-class veterinary treatment and compassionate care.

The Elephant Care Centre spans 998 acres of specially created forest, providing the elephants with the opportunity to roam freely, socialize, forage, and engage in natural behaviours such as mud and dust baths and bathing in natural ponds. This environment is built to support their physical and psychological well-being.

Vivaan Karani, CEO of Vantara, expressed his gratitude for the award, stating, “This award is a tribute to the countless individuals who have devoted their lives to protecting and caring for India’s animals. At Vantara, serving animals is not just a duty—it is our dharma and seva, a commitment deeply rooted in compassion and responsibility.”

The Prani Mitra Award in the Corporate category recognizes corporations, PSUs, government bodies, and cooperatives that have consistently contributed to animal welfare over the past five years, including through CSR funding for animal welfare initiatives. Vantara’s efforts are particularly notable for their commitment to elevating welfare standards and safeguarding India’s biodiversity.

Among the unique features of Vantara’s Elephant Care Centre is the world’s largest elephant hospital, which integrates both allopathy and alternative medicine, such as Ayurveda and acupuncture, to manage chronic diseases and provide pain relief. The hospital is equipped with cutting-edge medical facilities, including a hydrotherapy pond for arthritis treatment, a hyperbaric oxygen chamber for wound healing, and a dedicated foot care facility with pedicure specialists.

Additionally, Vantara operates the largest fleet of elephant ambulances, with 75 custom-engineered vehicles designed to ensure a secure and stress-free journey for rescued elephants. These vehicles are equipped with hydraulic lifts, rubber mat flooring, water troughs, showers, and caretaker cabins.

Through its pioneering efforts in elephant management, veterinary care, and lifelong support, Vantara is setting new standards for ethical animal treatment and care, making a profound impact on the lives of the elephants they rescue and care for.