The 148th Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad saw chaos when three elephants ran out of control during the procession. This alarming event led to a quick response from Vantara, a wildlife rescue and care centre based in Jamnagar. The centre, which is known for its dedication to animal welfare, deployed a team to assist local authorities.
Anant Ambani, who leads Vantara, organised a team of professionals to handle the situation. This team included two veterinarians, six senior mahouts, and eleven support staff, along with five fully equipped elephant ambulances. Their swift action was crucial in managing the chaos caused during the festivities.
The trouble started when a bull elephant was startled by loud music and a crowded environment. This caused the elephant to break formation and run away, followed by two others in a panic. Fortunately, there were no injuries among the human attendees, but the incident raised serious safety concerns during the large religious event.
Vantara’s experts quickly assessed the physical and mental wellbeing of the elephants involved. They worked closely with local authorities to ensure the elephants were safely contained and relocated. Dr K Ramesh, Chief Conservator of Forests in Gujarat, praised Vantara’s quick response. He stated, “After the incident, we immediately contacted Vantara. Their team responded quickly and coordinated with local officials to ensure proper care and relocation of the elephants.”
Mahendra Jha, a trustee of the Shree Jagannath Mandir Trust, also commended Vantara’s actions. He noted, “Vantara’s prompt action and dedication ensured the elephants got the treatment and care they needed.”
Vantara is notable for being the world’s largest elephant care facility. It spans 998 acres and is home to over 260 rescued elephants. This incident highlights the importance of animal welfare and the role of organisations like Vantara in ensuring the safety and health of elephants, especially during large events.
The day after the incident, the affected elephants were relocated to the farmhouse of the Jagannath Temple Trust in Pirana. While initial reports indicated that at least two people were injured during the chaos, the situation was managed effectively thanks to the quick actions of various teams. Dr R K Sahu, the Director of Kankaria Zoo in Ahmedabad, explained that the elephants were calmed and safely moved away from the crowd. He mentioned that loud DJ music had contributed to the elephant’s panic, which was not an uncommon occurrence in such festive settings.
The first response involved tranquilising the male elephant to ensure its safety. Once calmed, it was tied down in a quieter area. The female elephants, which were less disturbed, were returned to the Jagannath temple shortly after.
The relocation of the 14-year-old male elephant was carried out with care by Vantara’s team. They arrived with an ambulance and transported the elephant to the farmhouse, where it could recover in peace. Dr Sahu confirmed that the temple trustees would decide how long the elephant would stay in the farmhouse before possibly returning to the temple.
This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced during large public events and the need for proper planning to ensure the safety of both participants and animals. As the Rath Yatra continues to be a celebrated event in Gujarat, the collaboration between local authorities and organisations like Vantara will be essential in preventing similar incidents in the future.
With the festival season in full swing, the safety of all involved remains a priority. Vantara’s quick response not only protected the elephants but also set a standard for animal welfare in public events.
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