Mahadevi controversy: Vantara refutes misinformation on elephant's transfer

Elephant Mahadevi’s relocation from the Swastishri Jinsen Bhattarak Pattacharya Jain Mutt in Kolhapur to Vantara’s Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust in Jamnagar has sparked intense public emotion, legal scrutiny, and political debate. Within days, over 204,000 petition forms were submitted to the President, urging her return. Vantara has now issued a clarification on its role in response to the misinformation circulating in the community.

In the satement Vantara stressed that the move was not initiated by them but carried out solely in compliance with binding orders issued by the Honourable Bombay High Court, which were later upheld by the Supreme Court.

Who exactly is Mahadevi (a.k.a. Madhuri)

Mahadevi is a 36‑year‑old female Asian elephant. She lived for around 33–34 years at the Swastishri Jinsen Bhattarak Pattacharya Jain Mutt in Nandani, Kolhapur. Despite chronic health problems such as advanced arthritis, foot rot, and severely overgrown nails caused by standing on hard metal flooring, she was used frequently in village rituals and processions

Why was she moved to Vantara?

PETA India filed a petition highlighting her poor health. The Maharashtra Chief Wildlife Warden appointed a High‑Powered Committee (HPC) to assess her condition. The HPC unanimously recommended relocation to a specialised facility capable of addressing her medical needs.

On 16 July 2025, the Bombay High Court ordered her transfer to the Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust at Vantara. The Supreme Court dismissed the Jain Mutt’s appeal on 29 July, reaffirming that Mahadevi's welfare takes precedence over ritual use and noting her fragile physical and psychological state

Was Vantara involved in initiating the move?

No. Vantara was not part of the legal proceedings. It was designated by the courts as the rehabilitation facility.

“We were not the initiators of this move, but the facility directed to carry out the court’s decision and provide her with care,” the Centre stated. Forest department and animal experts facilitated the safe transfer; Vantara’s role began only once Mahadevi arrived.

What is Vantara, and who runs it?

Vantara is a 3,500‑acre animal rescue and rehabilitation facility in Jamnagar, Gujarat, run by Reliance Foundation’s Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre. Hosting over 150,000 animals across more than 2,000 species, it operates without public visitation, ensuring minimal stress for its residents. It has received the Prani Mitra National Award (Corporate Category) from the Animal Welfare Board of India for its standards in animal care.

How is Mahadevi currently being cared for at Vantara?

• Since arriving on 30 July 2025, she has received specialist veterinary care, including:
• Daily hydrotherapy pools for joint relief
• Radiological diagnostics (X‑rays and ultrasound)
• Regular physiotherapy and customised dietary plans
• Chain‑free enclosure with soft flooring and social interaction with other elephants
• These interventions have already improved her mobility and demeanour. She appears calmer, vocalises more, and her severely neglected foot condition is gradually improving

Could Mahadevi return to Kolhapur someday?

Yes. but only if authorised through proper legal channels. Vantara has signalled readiness to cooperate with a return provided:

• The Jain Mutt and relevant wildlife authorities jointly petition the court
• All transport permits are secured under the Wildlife Protection Act and Supreme Court rules
• If ordered by a court, Vantara would ensure her transfer occurs with dignity, medical oversight, and expert handling

What is Vantara’s primary mission in this relocation?

Vantara emphasises three key objectives:

• Uphold Mahadevi's welfare above all, in accordance with both the Bombay High Court and Supreme Court rulings
• Ensure transparency and legal compliance, sharing full medical records and enabling independent oversight
• Respect religious sentiments without compromising her safety, suggesting ritual inclusion through replicas or mechanical alternatives rather than using the live elephant.

For now, Mahadevi remains under veterinary supervision at Vantara’s secure and tranquil facility. Any change, such as bringing her back to Kolhapur, must follow a legally endorsed petition and transport process.