Two elephants from the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Mayapur, near Kolkata, will soon find a new home at Vantara, an animal rescue and rehabilitation center in Jamnagar.
The elephants, 18-year-old Bishnupriya and 26-year-old Lakshmipriya, will receive lifelong care at Vantara, a state-of-the-art facility founded by philanthropist Anant Ambani, the son of billionaire Mukesh Ambani. The organisation specialises in providing safe, natural environments for animals in distress.
The transfer comes after Bishnupriya fatally attacked her mahout last April, suggesting that she would need specialised care and a more suitable habitat. The initiative, led by Vantara in partnership with ISKCON, has been approved by a high-powered committee formed by the Tripura High Court and affirmed by the Supreme Court.
At Vantara, the elephants will transition to a chain-free, permanent home designed to replicate their natural habitat. The facility offers expert veterinary care, including psychological evaluations and positive reinforcement training, which uses rewards to build trust without coercion.
The elephants will also engage in enrichment activities and have opportunities to bond with other elephants at the center. Caretakers will focus on fostering their physical and emotional well-being in a compassionate environment.
ISKCON Mayapur has housed Lakshmipriya since 2007 and Bishnupriya since 2010, where they were involved in temple rituals and festivals.
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Two elephants from ISKCON be moved to Vantara rehabilitation center, set to receive lifelong care
