The relocation of Mahadevi, a 36-year-old female elephant, from a Kolhapur mutt in Maharashtra to a Jamnagar-based animal welfare facility run by the Radhe Krishna Elephant Welfare Trust (RKTEWT) under the Vantara initiative, has stirred significant emotions and controversy. Vantara, meaning "Star of the Forest," is an animal rescue, care, and rehabilitation initiative established by the Reliance Foundation. Conceptualized and led by Anant Ambani, it is located within a 3,500-acre green belt in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
Following the relocation, Vantara clarified that it did not initiate or request the transfer of Mahadevi. According to Vantara, the organization served solely as the "court-appointed recipient facility". This clarification came amidst public outcry and protests in Kolhapur, with thousands demanding Mahadevi's return.
The relocation of Mahadevi followed a series of legal proceedings and welfare concerns. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India had been monitoring Mahadevi's condition since 2022 and submitted a complaint to the High Powered Committee (HPC) in October 2023. The complaint included veterinary assessments, photographs, and evidence of physical injuries, psychological distress, and her repeated use in unauthorized public events. Reports indicated that the elephant suffered from "decubital ulcerated wounds" on its hip joints and other body parts.
The HPC, constituted by the Supreme Court, initially granted the Kolhapur-based trust three months to improve Mahadevi's conditions, starting in June 2024. However, follow-up inspections in June and November 2024 revealed only superficial improvements. Consequently, on December 27, 2024, the HPC ordered the elephant's relocation to the Jamnagar facility run by the RKTEWT, citing its qualified staff, medical facilities, and natural enclosures.
The Kolhapur-based trust challenged the decision in the Bombay High Court, which dismissed the petition on July 16, 2025, emphasizing that the elephant's welfare must take precedence over religious customs. The Supreme Court upheld this ruling on July 28 and directed that the transfer be completed within two weeks. The case is now listed for compliance reporting on August 11, 2025.
Vantara's statement emphasized that the reasons for the transfer are fully documented in the judicial orders. The organization acknowledged Mahadevi's deep emotional and cultural significance in Kolhapur but reiterated that it acted solely as a court-appointed recipient facility.
Upon arrival at Vantara, Mahadevi was found to be in poor health, suffering from an untreated fracture and a broken toenail, and had been kept in solitary confinement. Vantara stated that she has since been unchained, placed under expert veterinary care, and is undergoing physical and emotional rehabilitation.
The Vantara initiative, launched in February 2024, aims to rescue, rehabilitate, treat, and care for injured, abused, threatened, or vulnerable animals both in India and abroad. Anant Ambani has credited a childhood experience with an injured elephant as the inspiration behind the family's involvement in animal care. Vantara houses over 150,000 animals across more than 2,000 species. The facility has received the Prani Mitra award from the Animal Welfare Board of India for its contributions to animal welfare.
The relocation of Mahadevi highlights the complexities of balancing animal welfare, religious customs, and legal obligations. While the courts have prioritized the elephant's well-being, the strong emotional response from the Kolhapur community underscores the deep connection between the animal and the local traditions. Vantara has expressed willingness to explore possibilities for Mahadevi's future in a way that prioritizes her welfare while honoring the community's sentiments.
