Last Updated on January 19, 2025 by Disha Rojhe
TJanuary 19, 2025: wo elephants, Bishnupriya (18) and Lakshmipriya (26), from the ISKCON temple in Mayapur, West Bengal, are beginning a new chapter in their lives at Vantara, a cutting-edge animal rescue and rehabilitation facility in Gujarat. Their relocation follows a tragic incident in April 2023 when Bishnupriya fatally attacked her mahout, highlighting the urgent need for a specialized and safe environment for the elephants’ well-being.
Vantara, founded by Anant Ambani, offers a state-of-the-art facility that closely mimics the elephants’ natural habitat, focusing on their physical, psychological, and emotional recovery. The facility has received strong support from animal welfare organizations like PETA India and World Animal Protection, advocating for the elephants’ transfer to a more compassionate care environment.
This transfer was made possible through a partnership between Vantara and ISKCON, with authorization from the Tripura High Court and the Supreme Court of India. At Vantara, the elephants will receive expert veterinary care, including psychological evaluations, treatments, and positive reinforcement training. This training is designed to foster trust and emotional healing through non-coercive methods, providing a more natural and enriching experience for the elephants.
Vantara’s holistic approach includes a focus on emotional recovery, offering a stress-free environment with enrichment activities and opportunities for the elephants to bond with each other. The facility houses the world’s largest elephant hospital, dedicated to personalized care and addressing trauma. This environment will help Bishnupriya and Lakshmipriya regain their physical strength and achieve emotional rejuvenation.
ISKCON Mayapur has cared for the elephants for years, using them in temple rituals and festivals. Senior ISKCON member Hrimati Devi Dasi emphasized that this transfer aligns with the spiritual values of the organization, as ISKCON believes in treating all living creatures with kindness and respect, in line with Lord Krishna’s teachings.
Experts note that elephants in captivity often experience significant psychological distress, leading to aggressive behavior, depression, and repetitive actions. Vantara’s model addresses these issues by focusing on mental and physical health, offering an environment where the elephants can experience a new, fulfilling life, close to their natural state.
