 "Vantara launches landmark elephant welfare programme in collaboration with Project Elephant")
Vantara, a wildlife conservation initiative led by Anant Ambani, has partnered with Project Elephant under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, to host the ‘Vantara Gajsevak Sammelan’, a five-day training programme for over 100 mahouts and elephant caregivers from across India.
After successfully completing the training program, each participant will be awarded a certificate.
According to Vantara’s news release, the goal of this national-level capacity-building effort is to improve professional competence, boost care standards, and promote best practices in the welfare of elephants under human care.
The event began with a maha aarti and ceremonial greeting at the Radhe Krishna Temple, laying the groundwork for an encounter that would be both spiritually and professionally enlightening.
“This Sammelan is more than a training programme, it’s a tribute to those who dedicate their lives to elephant care,” said Vivaan Karani, Chief Executive Officer, Vantara.
Karani added, “Our aim is to unite traditional wisdom with modern science to build a stronger, more compassionate foundation for their wellbeing. It reaffirms that the future of elephant conservation in India depends not just on policy or habitat—but also on the empowered hands and hearts of their caregivers.”
The Sammelan provides a combination of peer-to-peer learning, scientific education, and field-based experience at its state-of-the-art facility in Jamnagar, which is run by the Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust, a nonprofit organisation under the Vantara initiative.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsIn order to provide them with practical training in daily husbandry routines, foot care, bathing protocols, positive reinforcement techniques, musth management, and traditional Ayurvedic therapies, participants are divided into groups and rotate through designated elephant care zones, such as the Gajwan, Gajraj Nagari, and Ganesh Nagari.
Expert-led scientific workshops that cover important topics such elephant biology, stress identification, common illnesses, and emergency treatment for recumbent elephants are held in addition to the practical modules.
In recognition of their crucial role in the long-term welfare of elephants, a special section is also devoted to the occupational health, safety, and well-being of caregivers.
To promote knowledge exchange and regional collaboration, the Sammelan includes structured reflection sessions and discussion forums where elephant carers from across the country can share their experiences, address common challenges, and learn from one another.
The Sammelan aims to create a nationwide community of experienced and compassionate elephant carers who are united by a common goal to promoting elephant welfare via both scientific development and traditional knowledge.
Vantara, home to over 250 rescued elephants and supported by a dedicated team of over 500 caregivers, many of whom were once in distressed or marginalised conditions, exemplifies how enriched and compassionate care can transform lives.
Vantara is dedicated to raising international and national standards for animal care and continues funding capacity building initiatives. It is working with authorities to host a number of landmark events, such as the National Zoo Directors’ Conference in October, the National Veterinary Training on Introduction to Conservation Medicine in August, and the ongoing international training program for Congolese wildlife officials. These forums bring together specialists, practitioners, and legislators to encourage cooperation, exchange knowledge, and advance best practices in wildlife conservation and care.
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