ISKCON Mayapur Elephants to Receive Lifelong Care at Vantara Following Tragic Incident

Jamnagar, Gujarat: Vantara, a cutting-edge animal rescue and rehabilitation center founded by philanthropist Anant Ambani, will soon provide lifelong care to two cow elephants, 18-year-old Bishnupriya and 26-year-old Lakshmipriya, from ISKCON Mayapur, near Kolkata. This transfer follows a tragic incident in April when Bishnupriya fatally attacked her mahout, underscoring the need for specialized care and a more suitable environment for their well-being.

The project, initiated by Vantara in collaboration with ISKCON, has been approved by the High-Powered Committee constituted by the Tripura High Court and affirmed by the Supreme Court of India. This committee oversees the rescue and rehabilitation of wild animals in distress. At Vantara, the elephants will reside in a chain-free, naturalistic habitat designed to support their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The facility offers expert veterinary care, psychological assessments, positive reinforcement training, and enrichment activities. Opportunities for social interaction with other elephants will further enhance their quality of life.

ISKCON Mayapur has cared for Lakshmipriya since 2007 and Bishnupriya since 2010, using them for temple rituals and festivals. Advocacy groups like PETA India and World Animal Protection have long called for their relocation to a trusted care facility. PETA India even proposed providing a mechanized elephant for temple rituals as a replacement.

Hrimati Devi Dasi, a senior ISKCON member overseeing mahouts and elephants, expressed her confidence in Vantara’s capabilities. “In ISKCON, we believe all living beings are spiritual souls deserving compassion and respect. Having visited Vantara, I am confident Bishnupriya and Lakshmipriya will thrive in a safe and nurturing environment that aligns with our principles of devotion and kindness.”

Captive elephants often endure psychological distress due to unmet needs for freedom and social bonds. Vantara’s holistic care prioritizes mental health, employing animal psychologists, enrichment activities, and social opportunities to restore emotional stability. With its state-of-the-art facilities, including the world’s largest elephant hospital, Vantara exemplifies its commitment to ensuring rescued elephants lead fulfilling lives, echoing the freedom and joy they would experience in the wild.