Guwahati, Jan 21: The long journey from Arunachal Pradesh to Gujarat has sparked logistical challenges and fierce debates. As Vantara Rescue Center im Jamnagar prepares to welcome 20 elephants rescued from exploitative industries, the move has sparked concerns weighing the broader implications for India’s elephant welfare practices and local livelihoods.

The decision has drawn mixed reactions, with stakeholders questioning whether such relocations truly address the root causes of captivity and exploitation.

Stakeholders have debated its broader implications for conservation, animal welfare, and the livelihoods of traditional elephant owners and handlers. Many have argued that the relocation of elephants, though necessary in certain cases, may not address the root causes of their exploitation. Questions have also been raised about whether such rescues could inadvertently encourage a shift from traditional, community-led elephant management practices to large-scale privatization of elephant welfare.

Some have said transporting elephants over long distances, even with expert care, can be stressful for the animals. Others have said efforts should be made to rehabilitate these animals as close to their original habitat as possible, preserving their ecological and cultural connections.

Congress MP from Assam Pradyut Bordoloi said on X- Bio-diversity to dessert! Completely different habitat! Road journey of 3500km #UpperAssam and #EasternArunachal to #JamNagar for 30 Schedule I #Elephants just to adorn the fancy of the richest Indian’s son !! @narendramodi @moefcc @petaIndia Everybody bends over backwards.

Vantara, a rescue centre for captive elephants and other wildlife in Jamnagar, Gujarat has clarified that the elephants from Arunachal Pradesh will have the opportunity to live in an environment that mirrors their natural habitat, where they can thrive, roam freely, and live with dignity.

The rescue centre in a statement said it was all set to welcome 20 elephants rescued from the exploitative logging industry in Arunachal Pradesh. This remarkable rescue operation, led by philanthropist Anant Ambani, has received the approval of the High-Powered Committee appointed by the Tripura High Court and is supported by the Supreme Court of India. The elephants, now freed from a lifetime of labour, will find a permanent home at Vantara, where they will live free from chains and exploitation.

Among the 20 rescued elephants are Laxmi, a 10-year-old sub-adult with debilitating injuries from the brutal taming process; Maya, a 2-year-old calf, who was rescued alongside her mother, Rongmoti, both of whom had endured extensive abuse in the logging industry; and Ramu and Babulal, both male elephants who suffered severe physical and psychological distress from their prolonged captivity. Ramu had been severely restrained during his musth period, while Babulal had suffered a traumatic injury from a conflict with a wild elephant.

“The rescue is not only a significant step towards improving animal welfare but also offers new opportunities for the elephant owners, mahouts, and their families. These individuals will undergo comprehensive training in humane and scientifically supported elephant management practices, ensuring a future of compassionate care for the elephants and empowering the caregivers with knowledge and skills” Vantara said.

The necessary legal requirements, including a No Objection Certificate from the Gujarat Forest Department and a Transport Permit from the Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department, have been obtained. The elephants will be transported in specially designed ambulances, with careful consideration for their welfare, and the young calf Maya will travel alongside her mother.

A team of over 200 experts from Vantara, including veterinarians, caretakers, and ambulance drivers, will ensure the safe and compliant transportation of the animals. The rescue follows guidelines designed to prioritize animal welfare, and the elephants’ journey to their new home will be conducted with the utmost care.

A 2020 study published in Gajah, the journal of the IUCN/SSC Asian Elephant Specialist Group, revealed that a significant number of privately owned elephants in Arunachal Pradesh are bred in captivity. However, the demand for their use in logging operations has diminished due to the logging ban, leading to a decline in private ownership. The 20 elephants being transferred to Vantara will be part of a growing initiative to improve the welfare of captive elephants in the region.

Mr Tabang Jamoh, Divisional Forest Officer of Namsai, expressed his support for the initiative, stating, “With an active breeding population of approximately 200 captive elephants in Arunachal Pradesh, DNA profiling is being conducted to monitor their health and welfare. The transfer of these elephants to Vantara will ensure a brighter future for them while providing local communities with alternative livelihoods.”

Dr. Sorang Tadap, Veterinary Officer at Itanagar Biological Park, highlighted the dire need for facilities like Vantara. “Captive elephants often suffer from severe health issues, including injuries and psychological trauma due to harsh labour and prolonged chaining. It’s encouraging to see institutions like Vantara offering advanced care and setting a benchmark for elephant welfare.”

One of the elephant owners, Chow Thamasala Mein, expressed his support for the rescue, saying, “With logging banned, we no longer wish to use our elephants for labour. We are pleased they will now live a life of care at Vantara, and this initiative also offers stable jobs and steady income for our families.”

Read: CM Biren Singh calls for unity among Manipur’s Indigenous communities

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