ISKCON Mayapur Elephants to receive lifelong care and support at Vantara

Vantara, an animal rescue and rehabilitation centre founded by Anant Ambani, is set to provide a permanent home for two cow elephants—18-year-old Bishnupriya and 26-year-old Lakshmipriya—from the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Mayapur, near Kolkata. The transfer follows an incident in April last year when Bishnupriya fatally attacked her mahout, leading to concerns over the need for specialised care and a more suitable environment for their well-being.

The initiative, undertaken by Vantara in collaboration with ISKCON, has received approval from the high-powered committee constituted by the Tripura High Court and affirmed by the Supreme Court. This committee is responsible for rescuing and ensuring stress-free environments for wild animals in distress.

At Vantara, Bishnupriya and Lakshmipriya will be accommodated in a chain-free, naturalistic habitat designed to replicate their wild environment, according to a statement. They will receive expert veterinary care, psychological evaluations, and treatments based on positive reinforcement training, which focuses on trust-building through rewards and non-coercive methods. The elephants will also have access to enrichment activities, social bonding opportunities with other elephants, and compassionate care from trained professionals, ensuring their overall well-being.