Days after emotional scenes played out in Kolhapur as elephant Madhuri was moved to the Vantara rescue centre in Gujarat, the Anant Ambani-led animal rescue and care centre has now released a detailed statement saying that it recognises and respects the community’s feelings and will support her return, if the court permits it. Now, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis has met the team from Vantara to discuss how the return could be carried out.
Fadnavis later shared on social media that he had a detailed conversation with the Vantara team in Mumbai. During the meeting, Vantara said they are willing to support the Maharashtra Government’s petition in the SC to help bring Madhuri back to the Jain Matha. They also clarified that they moved Madhuri only because of court orders and had no intention of keeping her against anyone’s wishes.
Locals, monks from the Jain Matha, and animal lovers across Maharashtra were heartbroken when Madhuri, was being relocated to Vantara. The entire village had assembled to bid her goodbye. In fact, the video from her farewell went viral where villagers were seen breaking down in tears.
Vantara clarifies: ‘Decision to relocate taken under judicial authority’
In its statement, Vantara acknowledged the bond between the Math, people of Kolhapur and Madhuri. “We recognise and respect the sentiments of the devotees, the leadership of the Jain Matha, and the wider community,” the statement read. The rescue organisation clarified that it did not initiate Madhuri’s relocation, and was only following directions from the Supreme Court and Bombay High Court.
“The decision to relocate Madhuri was taken under judicial authority,” Vantara said, adding that its role was only to provide “care, veterinary support, and housing” as an independent rehabilitation centre.
Vantara on Madhuri’s return to Kolhapur
The group also made it clear that it is open to Madhuri’s return. It said that it will extend its full support if any application is filed for her return by the Jain Matha and the Maharashtra government. If the court agrees, the group has promised to provide full help in medical and transport to ensure Madhuri’s “safe and dignified” journey back to Kolhapur.
Vantara also offered to work with the Jain Matha and the Maharashtra government to set up a satellite elephant rehabilitation centre in Kolhapur’s Nandani area, especially for Madhuri.
Some of the key features of this proposed facility include:
- A hydrotherapy pond to relieve the elephants of joint pain
- A large water body for swimming
- Laser therapy rooms for physical care
- Open, chain-free habitat
- Night shelter and sand mounds for elephants’ joint comfort
- An on-site veterinary clinic
Vantara said the land for this centre will be selected in agreement with the Jain Matha and the state, and the project will begin once permissions are granted.
The statement ended on an emotional and humble note where Vantara expressed regret for causing any distress, despite the court orders. “Michhami Dukkadam—we seek your forgiveness,” the statement read.
Vantara said its goal was never credit or publicity but only animal welfare and lawful action. “Let us move forward not in opposition but in unity, with love for Madhuri at the heart of it all,” the statement concluded.