Agreement Between Vantara and ISKCON
Vantara, founded by Anant Ambani, offers a state-of-the-art facility designed to mimic the natural habitat of elephants. Prioritizes the physical, psychological, and emotional recovery of rescued elephants, ensuring that they can live in a stress-free and enriching environment. The transfer was facilitated by the agreement between Vantara and ISKCON and approved by the high-powered committee constituted by the Tripura High Court with the confirmation of the Supreme Court of India.
Prioritization of Veterinary and Positive Reinforcement Training
Animal welfare organizations, including PETA India and World Animal Protection, are advocating for the elephants to be relocated to a well-known care facility, highlighting the distress the animals face from captivity. At Vantara, Bishnupriya and Lakshmipriya prioritise specialist veterinary and positive reinforcement training, including psychological assessment and treatment. This approach helps build trust through rewards and non-coercive methods. The elephants will also be involved in culture activities and will have the opportunity to mingle with other elephants, which will ensure their physical and mental well-being. The facility also houses the world's largest elephant hospital, focusing on personal care, relieving trauma, and promoting emotional stability.
ISKCON Mayapur Has Been Looking After The Elephants
This holistic model is designed to help elephants regain their physical strength and achieve emotional rejuvenation. ISKCON Mayapur has taken care of Lakshmipriya since 2007 and Bishnupriya since 2010, using them for temple rituals and festivals.
Senior ISKCON member Harimati Devi Dasi, who looks after mahouts and elephants in Mayapur, stressed that the relocation is in line with ISKCON's spiritual values. "By treating animals with kindness, we honor Lord Krishna's teachings of nurturing all living beings.
After visiting Vantara, I am sure that Bishnupriya and Lakshmipriya will live a full life there, experiencing the freedom and joy that elephants get in the wild. Experts say that living in captivity often causes a lot of mental distress to elephants, causing them to behave in the same way again and again, showing depression and aggression. Vantara addresses these challenges by focusing on physical as well as mental health, providing an environment that resembles their natural habitat.