Lion Pets Lion! PM Modi Seen Caressing Cubs During His Vantara Visit, Check

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited the Vantara Wildlife Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Conservation Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat. A video from his visit has surfaced, showing PM Modi affectionately caressing an Asiatic lion cub. Accompanying him on the tour was Anant Ambani, who personally guided the Prime Minister through the facility. 

#WATCH | PM Narendra Modi inaugurated and visited the wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation centre, Vantara in Gujarat. Vantara is home to more than 2,000 species and over 1.5 lakh rescued, endangered, and threatened animals. PM explored various facilities at the… pic.twitter.com/itbMedPtD3
— ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2025
A Hub for Wildlife Protection
Vantara, an initiative by Anant Ambani, spans 3,000 acres and is dedicated to rescuing and caring for endangered species. The centre houses over 2,000 species and more than 1.5 lakh rescued animals, providing them with specialized medical care and rehabilitation.
During his visit, PM Modi explored various sections of the facility, including the state-of-the-art wildlife hospital, which offers MRI, CT scans, ICU care, and departments like Cardiology, Nephrology, Endoscopy, Dentistry, and Internal Medicine. These facilities ensure that rescued animals receive the highest level of veterinary care.
Encounter with Exotic and Endangered Species
The Prime Minister observed several rare species, including:
A giant python
A unique two-headed snake and a two-headed turtle
Giant otters and the endangered Bongo antelope
Seals and elephants enjoying a Jacuzzi
Most notably, PM Modi interacted with and petted cubs of Asiatic lions, white lions, clouded leopards, and caracals, all of which belong to rare and endangered species.
A Commitment to Wildlife Conservation
Vantara operates under the “Star of the Forest” initiative, focusing on wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation. The centre plays a crucial role in preserving species on the brink of extinction. PM Modi’s visit highlights India’s commitment to environmental protection and biodiversity conservation, further reinforcing the nation’s efforts to safeguard its wildlife.