Jamnagar, Gujarat – Vantara, a state-of-the-art animal rescue and rehabilitation organization founded by visionary philanthropist Anant Ambani, is preparing to welcome two cow elephants, 18-year-old Bishnupriya and 26-year-old Lakshmipriya, from the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Mayapur, near Kolkata. This transfer follows a tragic incident in April when Bishnupriya fatally attacked her mahout, highlighting the urgent need for specialized care and a more suitable environment for the elephants’ well-being.
The relocation project, initiated by Vantara in collaboration with ISKCON, has been approved by the High-Powered Committee constituted by the Tripura High Court and affirmed by the Supreme Court of India. The committee is tasked with rescuing distressed wild animals and ensuring their placement in safe, suitable environments. At Vantara, the elephants will settle into a permanent home designed to emulate their natural habitat. The facility offers a chain-free environment, expert veterinary care, and treatments grounded in positive reinforcement training, fostering trust through rewards rather than coercion. Bishnupriya and Lakshmipriya will also benefit from enrichment activities, opportunities to bond with other elephants, and the compassionate attention of dedicated caretakers.
ISKCON Mayapur has housed Lakshmipriya since 2007 and Bishnupriya since 2010, employing them for temple rituals and festivals. Animal protection organizations, including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India and World Animal Protection, have long advocated for their release to a recognized elephant care facility. PETA India even offered a mechanized elephant for temple rituals in exchange for transferring the real elephants to a sanctuary.
Hrimati Devi Dasi, a senior ISKCON member and manager for mahouts and elephants at Mayapur, expressed her confidence in the decision. She noted that ISKCON’s teachings emphasize compassion and respect for all living beings, reflecting Lord Krishna’s guidance on protecting and nurturing creatures. Having visited Vantara, she believes the sanctuary’s values align with ISKCON’s principles and expressed hope that the elephants will thrive in their new home, experiencing freedom and joy akin to life in the wild.
Life in captivity often causes significant mental suffering for elephants, as their natural instincts to roam and socialize remain unmet. This distress can lead to repetitive behaviors, depression, and aggression. Vantara’s approach to elephant care extends beyond physical health, emphasizing emotional and psychological recovery. Its state-of-the-art facilities, including the world’s largest elephant hospital, provide personalized care through positive reinforcement training, enrichment activities, and social opportunities that replicate natural environments.
This transfer represents a vital step in improving the lives of Bishnupriya and Lakshmipriya, allowing them to heal and thrive in a sanctuary designed to meet their physical, emotional, and social needs. Vantara’s commitment to holistic rehabilitation offers these elephants a renewed chance to live a fulfilling and enriched life.