Jamnagar – In a big move to help wild animals and cut down on fights between people and leopards, the Maharashtra forest department has moved 20 leopards from the packed Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre in Pune to Vantara, a large animal care place in Jamnagar, Gujarat. This happened in early March 2026, and more could follow soon. Vantara, run by Anant Ambani, is known for giving rescued animals good care in spaces that feel like their natural homes. But while some people are happy about this, others worry if it’s really solving the main problems like losing forests to farms.
The transfer comes at a time when leopards in places like Junnar are facing hard times. Farms are growing, and forests are shrinking, so leopards end up near villages, causing trouble. The Manikdoh centre, meant to hold only 45 leopards, had over 100, making it too crowded. Forest officials say this move will free up space for new rescues and give the leopards better lives.
Vantara opened its doors in 2024, not 2025 as some early reports said, and has grown fast. It’s spread over 3,000 acres inside the Reliance Jamnagar refinery area. It has saved thousands of animals from India and abroad, with special doctors and setups for rehab. People who support it say the animals look calm and healthy there, thanks to good food, big spaces, and care for their minds too.
But not everyone agrees. Some animal experts question if sending wild cats to a private place is the best way. They say the real fix should be protecting forests and stopping people from taking over animal homes. There have been talks about ethics, like if animals lose their freedom in such centres. Last year, in 2025, there were even court cases about how Vantara got some animals, but the Supreme Court checked and said everything was legal.
This story shows how India is trying to balance saving wildlife with keeping people safe. As cities and farms grow, such moves might happen more. Let’s look deeper into what happened, why, and what people are saying.
The Problem at Manikdoh: Too Many Leopards, Too Little Space
Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre is in Junnar, Pune district. It’s run by Wildlife SOS with help from the Maharashtra forest department since 2007. The centre helps leopards that get hurt or come into villages. But lately, it’s been overflowing. In 2025, officials caught 170 leopards because of more attacks on people. The place can hold 45, but it had 113 at one point. This means animals are stressed, and there’s not enough room for proper care.
Why so many leopards? Maharashtra has a lot of sugarcane farms, which leopards like for hiding and having babies. But when farms spread, leopards lose their real homes and end up near people. Since 2001, 55 people have died in leopard attacks in Pune areas. Forest officials say catching and moving them is needed to keep everyone safe.
In November 2025, after more attacks, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said they would send 50 leopards to Vantara. The Central Zoo Authority okayed it on December 20, 2025. An agreement was signed between Maharashtra forests and Vantara.
How the Transfer Happened
On March 6, 2026, a team of 25 experts from Vantara, led by vet Dr Gaurav Srivastava, came to Junnar. They picked 20 leopards – 10 males and 10 females. Many had been caught after coming into human areas. Some had hurts from traps or fights.
The leopards were moved on March 7 in special air-conditioned vans. Top forest officers like Dr Jitendra Ramgaonkar and Ashish Thakare watched over it. The trip to Jamnagar took time, but the animals arrived safe.
At Vantara, they got checked by doctors. Many had wounds from being caught, so care includes healing bodies and minds. Vantara shared on social media: “We welcome 20 leopards from Junnar into carefully prepared spaces at Vantara, where our teams are ready to provide expert veterinary care and long-term support.”
Forest Minister Ganesh Naik said this will help “strengthen conservation efforts” while fixing human-leopard problems. Another 30 leopards might go soon, based on how this batch does.
This isn’t the first time. In 2024, some leopards went from Manikdoh to Vantara. It’s part of a bigger plan to manage wild cats better.
What is Vantara? A Look Inside
Vantara means “star of the forest.” It’s a huge place for saving animals, started by Anant Ambani, son of Mukesh Ambani. It’s in Jamnagar, near the big Reliance oil plant. The centre covers 3,000 acres and has over 2,000 animals from 400 types, like elephants, lions, tigers, and reptiles.
It has the world’s biggest elephant hospital, with pools and special treatments. Animals get spaces that look like their wild homes, with trees, water, and things to play with. There are over 150,000 animals in total, saved from bad places in India and other countries.
Anant Ambani says Vantara is about care and compassion. In a talk, he said: “Vantara is in complete compliance with laws. Don’t tarnish image.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited and praised it, saying it helps animals like hurt lions and leopard cubs.
The place uses new ways like yoga for elephants and special food. It’s not open to everyone, but focuses on rescue and rehab.
Praise for the Move: Better Care for Leopards
Many people like this transfer. Forest officials say Vantara has good setups for long-term care. Jitendra Ramgaonkar, Chief Conservator, told news: “Manikdoh is running out of space, and Vantara can handle leopards that attacked people.”
Supporters say animals at Vantara are happy and calm, a sign of top care. One expert said: “Moving to Vantara gives them a dignified life away from people.”
Wildlife SOS, which runs Manikdoh, shared: “Together, we have secured a safer future for 20 rescued leopards.” On social media, posts say it’s a “powerful step for wildlife welfare.”
This helps cut overcrowding and lets Manikdoh take new cases. It’s seen as a way to balance safety for people and animals.
Debates and Criticisms: Is This the Right Way?
But there are questions. Some say private places like Vantara don’t fix the root problems, like habitat loss. Experts worry about moving wild animals far, and if they can ever go back to forests.
In 2025, there were big controversies. Groups said Vantara got animals wrong way, from places like South Africa. The Supreme Court looked into it and set up a team. In the end, they said no foul play, and Vantara followed laws.
Still, some call it a “private zoo” more than a rescue place. One report said: “Is a mega-sanctuary like Vantara our only hope?” but questioned if it’s real conservation.
Animal rights people say leopards should be free, not in enclosures, even big ones. There’s talk about climate – Jamnagar is hot and dry, not like Maharashtra forests.
In Maharashtra, some want leopards downgraded in protection laws to make handling easier, but experts say that’s wrong.
Latest Updates as of March 2026
As of March 14, 2026, the 20 leopards are settling in at Vantara. Teams are watching their health. Plans for the next 30 are on, but depend on approvals and checks.
Social media has mixed views. Some posts praise the rescue, others share old stories of leopards in bad cages before moves. Vantara keeps sharing updates, like how they focus on mental health too.
Overall, this shows India’s wildlife challenges are growing, and places like Vantara are stepping in.
Quotes from Key People
- Anant Ambani: “Vantara is a haven of care and compassion for over thousands of rescued animals.”
- Forest Minister Ganesh Naik: “The move aims to strengthen conservation efforts while addressing concerns over rising human-leopard encounters.”
- Chief Conservator Jitendra Ramgaonkar: “The proposal had been submitted to the Central Zoo Authority for approval.”
- Wildlife expert from Down to Earth: “Maharashtra’s move to reclassify the leopard is setting a wrong precedent with regard to conservation.”
- PM Narendra Modi: “I compliment the team at Vantara for the care given to several such animals.”
These words show both support and worry.
FAQs
What is Vantara?
Vantara is a big animal rescue and rehab centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, run by Anant Ambani under Reliance Foundation. It covers 3,000 acres and helps over 2,000 animals with special care like hospitals and natural-like homes. It started in 2024 to save hurt or lost wildlife.
Why were leopards moved from Manikdoh?
Manikdoh was too full, with more leopards than it could handle. This was because of more human-leopard fights from lost habitats. Moving them to Vantara gives better space and care, and frees room for new rescues.
How many leopards went and how many more?
20 leopards (10 male, 10 female) moved in March 2026. Plans for 30 more, making 50 total, approved in December 2025.
Is Vantara good for animals?
Many say yes, with calm animals and expert care. But some worry about ethics and if it’s like a zoo. Courts checked in 2025 and found it legal.
What are the debates?
Main issues: Does it fix root causes like habitat loss? Ethical concerns on wildlife freedom and private ownership. Some past claims of wrong animal getting, but cleared.