Three African forest elephants—two females and one male, all aged between 28 and 29 years—are about to embark on a new journey from Tunisia (Africa) to a dedicated wildlife sanctuary in India. Vantara, one of the world’s most respected wildlife rescue centers located in Jamnagar, Gujarat, India, will become their new home. Founded by Anant Mukesh Ambani, Vantara was contacted by a private zoo in Tunisia that struggled to meet the elephants’ complex dietary, housing, and veterinary needs due to financial constraints.
African elephants have lived in captivity for 23 years
These elephants, named Achtaum, Kani, and Mina, have lived in captivity for almost 23 years. They were initially transferred at the young age of four from Burkina Faso to Friguia Park in Tunisia. Since then, they have been a central attraction, but the zoo’s financial struggles eventually led to a search for a more suitable environment where the elephants could receive the care they needed. Following all necessary regulatory and legal requirements, including compliance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the elephants are now ready to travel to India on a specially chartered cargo flight.
The Urgent Need for Relocation
Although Achtaum, Kani, and Mina remained a popular attraction at Friguia Park, the zoo’s financial difficulties made it challenging to provide the level of care required for such complex animals. Recognizing that a return to the wild would be neither feasible nor in the best interest of the elephants—due to the long time spent by them in captivity and reliance on human care—the zoo decided to seek an alternative.
Their goal was to find a place that could ensure the elephants a peaceful and enriching retirement, one that could address their specific health needs. Vantara was identified as the ideal facility, offering a specialized environment designed for the comfort and well-being of aging wildlife.
Health Challenges
A recent health assessment by Vantara’s veterinary experts revealed that these elephants face numerous health challenges, exacerbated by years of inadequate facilities and care. They are currently housed in a poorly ventilated concrete shelter with limited access to a suitable outdoor paddock, lacking essential enrichment for mental and physical stimulation. Their diet primarily consists of dry hay, and access to clean water has been limited.
Vantara’s Team Has Palnned Specialized Care
Each of the elephants is also dealing with distinct health concerns. Achtaum has a split tusk and a molar infection that require medical and surgical attention, while Kani shows signs of cracked nails, likely a result of prolonged exposure to hard surfaces. Additionally, untreated skin conditions have led to hair loss and matted skin among the group. Vantara’s team has already planned tailored medical treatments for these issues, including careful monitoring and procedures to address their unique needs.
Vantara’s Preparedness for African Forest Elephants
Vantara has worked meticulously to replicate the elephants’ natural habitat in its facilities. Their enclosures are enriched with native flora, mud pools, and food arrangements that promote natural foraging behaviors, helping the elephants to engage with their surroundings in a way that mimics their life in the wild. By providing these elements, Vantara ensures that Achtaum, Kani, and Mina will experience an environment that closely aligns with their natural habitat while receiving high-quality medical and nutritional care.
A Compassionate Future in India
The transition to Vantara will not only give Achtaum, Kani, and Mina a more comfortable and suitable home but also ensure they live out the rest of their lives in peace and dignity. Vantara’s specialized care and expansive enclosures will support their physical, psychological, and social needs, providing a safe haven that resembles their natural habitat. Here, they will find the compassionate care and attention they deserve after years of life in captivity, beginning a new chapter filled with comfort and kindness.
With a dedicated team of veterinary and wildlife experts, Vantara is well-prepared to offer these elephants a fulfilling retirement, highlighting the importance of humane treatment and thoughtful, supportive environments for animals rescued from suboptimal conditions.
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