Maharashtra Pushes to Bring Back Elephant Mahadevi from Vantara
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Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is taking legal action to bring back Mahadevi, an elderly elephant also called Madhuri, who was recently moved from a Jain shrine in Kolhapur to the Vantara animal rescue center in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The move followed a Supreme Court order, triggered by a petition from animal welfare group PETA, due to the elephant’s fragile health—but it sparked strong emotional and political reactions locally.
During talks in Mumbai, Vantara officials assured that they have no intention of keeping Mahadevi permanently and are merely following the court’s directive. They expressed full support for the state’s efforts, agreeing to join the legal petition for her return and offering technical and veterinary help. These officials even proposed to build a satellite rehabilitation center near Nandani Math in Kolhapur, featuring amenities like hydrotherapy ponds, laser treatment rooms, open enclosures, veterinary care, and other supportive infrastructure—subject to court approval and in close coordination with the Jain Math and forest department.
PETA India, meanwhile, emphasized that Mahadevi urgently needs veterinary care and a spacious environment, citing her serious health conditions like arthritis, foot rot, and mental distress. They argue that Vantara is currently shaping up to be the most suitable place for her rehabilitation, and that her health must take priority over emotional or cultural sentiments.
To address public sentiment, the Maharashtra government has decided to file a review petition in the Supreme Court and will intervene legally to seek Mahadevi’s safe return. They also plan to set up a dedicated care team—including veterinarians—and propose establishing an independent committee for oversight
