Vantara offers to rescue wildlife being culled by drought-hit Namibia

Ananat Ambani’s animal welfare organisation ‘Vantara’ has extended its support with an aim to rescue the animals which are being culled by Namibian authorities.

As per reports, Namibia has started to cull hundreds of its most majestic wild animals, including dozens of elephants and hippopotamuses, to provide meat for its 1.4 million people. This comes at a time when almost half the southern African nation’s population — who are reeling under the worst drought in a century are facing a hunger crisis.

As Namibia reels under drought, a total 723 animals, including 30 hippopotamuses, 60 buffaloes, 50 impalas, 100 blue wildebeest, 300 zebras, 83 elephants, and 100 elands, a type of antelope, are on the kill list.

Reacting to this incident of cruelty, the Gujarat-based animal welfare organisation Vantara has offered to support the southern African nation by offering alternative solutions to its hunger crisis instead of large scale killing of animals for meat.

Vantara CEO’s letter to Namibia

In a letter written by Vantara Foundation’s CEO Vivaan Karani to the High Commissioner of the Republic of Namibia, concerns have been expressed over the culling of animals while at the same time expressing solidarity with the people of Namibia amid their crisis.

“Some news reports suggest that the Republic of Namibia is experiencing severe effects of drought and while it is taking numerous proactive steps to meet the many challenges, one of the drought-relief measures contemplates the culling of animals.

At Vantara, we follow a vision to overcome challenges to protect every animal from any situation that threatens their welfare and survival. We at Vantara stand in complete solidarity with the situation, are deeply moved by it, and would like to offer whatever assistance we can to avoid animal culling.

In the past Vantara has provided shelter and refuge to animals on the verge of being culled and animals that had put a strain on resources, as an alternative to culling. We at Vantara are prepared to put our best food forward and provide lifelong care or temporary housing as a viable alternative to culling. We are eager to work with the Republic of Namibia and its organisations to find a way that would save the animals and provide them with a lease of life.

We therefore request you to please set aside some of your valuable time to hear and consider the various options and proposals that our team has prepared with a view to balance the mitigative measures keeping in mind that life of every animal is equally precious,” the letter reads.

Why Namibia is culling wildlife

Southern African nation Namibia is currently battling its worst drought in 100 years. About 84 percent of the country’s food reserves have been exhausted as a result of the drought, the United Nations (UN) said, with nearly half of the 2.5 million population expected to experience high levels of food insecurity during the lean season from July to September.

“This exercise is necessary and is in line with our constitutional mandate where our natural resources are used for the benefit of Namibian citizens,” the country’s Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism said in a press statement on August 26.

Vantara

Vantara was conceptualized under the passionate leadership of Anant Ambani. The Reliance Foundation unveiled the initiative on February 26, 2024. It is an ambitious project that blends ethical values with modern scientific and technological advancements. Anant Ambani, who also leads Reliance’s renewable energy business, envisions Vantara as a leading edge conservation programme dedicated to protecting critically endangered species and restoring vital habitats.

The grand animal conservation and rehabilitation centre consists of state-of-the-art healthcare facilities for animals with several in-house wildlife veterinarians and doctors, a research centre, and an academic institution. It also boasts an old-age facility and disability care facility for old and sick animals.

Vantara is focused on establishing a holistic centre for wildlife conservation by integrating advanced research and collaboration. Since its inception, the organisation has rescued and rehabilitated a large number of elephants, and thousands of other animals, reptiles, and birds including rhinos, leopards, and crocodiles. The organisation has also participated in international rescue operations in Mexico, Venezuela, and other countries.