Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vantara Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Jamnagar on Sunday during his three-day visit to Gujarat. Vantara is home to over 1.5 lakh rescued animals from more than 2,000 species, including endangered and threatened wildlife. The Prime Minister closely interacted with several rehabilitated animals, witnessing the centre’s conservation efforts firsthand.

During his visit, PM Modi toured the wildlife hospital at Vantara, which offers advanced medical facilities such as MRI, CT scans, ICUs, and specialized departments like Wildlife Anesthesia, Cardiology, Nephrology, Endoscopy, and Dentistry. He observed an Asiatic Lion undergoing an MRI scan and visited the operation theatre, where a leopard was receiving emergency surgery after a highway accident.

The Prime Minister also had heartwarming interactions with various animals. He was seen feeding and playing with Asiatic Lion cubs and White Lion cubs, including one born at the centre after its mother was rescued. In a rare moment, he even shared a high-five with a lion. Vantara also houses endangered species such as Clouded Leopard cubs and Caracals, which are part of a breeding program to help reintroduce them into the wild.

PM Modi had unique encounters with several rare and exotic animals, including a Golden Tiger, four rescued Snow Tigers from a circus, an Okapi, a friendly Orangutan, and a herd of Zebras. He personally fed a Giraffe and an orphaned Rhino calf, whose mother had died at the facility. He also saw a large python, a two-headed snake, a two-headed turtle, and Leopard cubs rescued from an agricultural field.

A key highlight of his visit was the world’s largest elephant hospital, where he observed hydrotherapy pools designed to aid elephants suffering from arthritis and foot ailments. He also visited elephants enjoying a relaxing session in their custom jacuzzi. Additionally, he released rescued parrots back into the wild and interacted with doctors, veterinarians, and support staff working at the centre.

With its state-of-the-art medical care, conservation programs, and rehabilitation efforts, Vantara stands as a model for wildlife protection in India. PM Modi’s visit highlighted the importance of conservation and the remarkable work being done at the centre to rescue, heal, and rehabilitate endangered species.