Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Mar 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's deep affection for animals has been evident for years, even before he assumed office. His recent visit to the Vantara Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Gujarat reaffirmed his commitment to wildlife conservation.
Old photographs of PM Modi interacting with animals have resurfaced on social media, shared by the ‘Modi Archive’ handle on X. The images depict him sitting beside a tiger, feeding animals, and holding a small creature in his lap—highlighting a lifelong connection with wildlife. The post was captioned, “He loves animals, and they love him right back!”
During his visit to Vantara in Jamnagar on Sunday, PM Modi engaged closely with a variety of animals, including Asiatic lion cubs, white lion cubs, clouded leopard cubs, and caracal cubs. The visit also marked the inauguration of Vantara, a vast conservation project aimed at rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife.
“Inaugurated Vantara, a unique wildlife conservation, rescue, and rehabilitation initiative, which provides a safe haven for animals while promoting ecological sustainability and wildlife welfare. I commend Anant Ambani and his entire team for this very compassionate effort,” PM Modi remarked.
Spanning 3,000 acres, Vantara houses over 2,000 species and shelters more than 1.5 lakh rescued and endangered animals. The centre is equipped with advanced veterinary facilities, including MRI, CT scans, and ICUs.
During his visit, PM Modi fed lion cubs, interacted with lemurs, and observed an Asiatic lion undergoing an MRI scan. He also visited the operation theatre, where a leopard was receiving emergency treatment after being rescued from a highway accident. The facility provides specialised medical care in wildlife anaesthesia, cardiology, nephrology, endoscopy, dentistry, and internal medicine.
PM Modi’s visit to Vantara not only highlighted his personal love for animals but also underscored India's growing commitment to wildlife conservation and ecological preservation.