Vantara, a wildlife conservation initiative spearheaded by Anant Ambani, has partnered with Project Elephant and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to launch the ‘Gajsevak Sammelan’. This five-day training program, taking place at the Vantara facility in Jamnagar, aims to benefit over 100 mahouts and elephant caregivers from across India. Upon completing the training, participants will receive a certificate.
This national effort is intended to enhance professional skills, elevate care standards, and promote best practices in the welfare of elephants under human supervision. The event commenced with a maha aarti ceremony at the Radhe Krishna Temple, setting a spiritually and professionally enriching tone.
“This Sammelan is more than a training program; it’s a tribute to those who dedicate their lives to elephant care,” stated Vivaan Karani, Chief Executive Officer of Vantara. He added that their mission is to merge traditional wisdom with modern science, establishing a robust and compassionate foundation for elephant welfare. Karani emphasized that the future of elephant conservation in India relies not just on policies or habitats, but also on the devoted hands and hearts of caregivers.
The Sammelan offers a mix of peer-to-peer learning, scientific education, and practical experiences at Jamnagar’s state-of-the-art facility, managed by the Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust, a nonprofit organization associated with Vantara. Participants will undergo practical training in daily care routines, foot care, bathing practices, positive reinforcement techniques, musth management, and traditional Ayurvedic therapies. They are organized into groups that rotate through designated elephant care zones, including Gajwan, Gajraj Nagari, and Ganesh Nagari.
In addition to practical modules, expert-led workshops will address crucial subjects such as elephant biology, stress identification, common illnesses, and emergency care for elephants in distress. A dedicated section will also focus on the occupational health and safety of caregivers, acknowledging their vital role in the long-term welfare of elephants.
To foster knowledge exchange and regional collaboration, the Sammelan incorporates structured reflection sessions and discussion forums where elephant caregivers can share experiences, tackle common challenges, and learn from each other. The initiative aims to create a nationwide network of compassionate elephant caregivers, unified by a shared commitment to enhancing elephant welfare through scientific advancements and traditional knowledge.
Vantara is home to over 250 rescued elephants and supported by a devoted team of more than 500 caregivers, many of whom previously faced challenging circumstances. This highlights how compassionate and enriched care can change lives. Vantara is committed to advancing national and international standards for animal welfare and continues to fund capacity-building initiatives. It collaborates with authorities to host significant events, including the upcoming National Zoo Directors’ Conference in October and the National Veterinary Training on Conservation Medicine this August. Ongoing international training programs for Congolese wildlife officials also demonstrate Vantara’s dedication to bringing together specialists, practitioners, and policymakers to foster cooperation and advance best practices in wildlife conservation and care.
Original Source: https://www.firstpost.com/india/vantara-launches-landmark-elephant-welfare-programme-in-collaboration-with-project-elephant-13912875.html
Category: India
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Publish Date: 2025-07-26 00:58:00
