Vantara Launches Pioneering Veterinary Course on Conservation Medicine

In a significant boost to India's wildlife conservation efforts, Vantara, founded by Anant Ambani, officially launched its much-anticipated Veterinary Training Course titled 'Introduction to Conservation Medicine' on Monday. The event took place at the initiative's cutting-edge facilities in Jamnagar, Gujarat, drawing a cadre of prominent figures in attendance.

Notable guests at the inauguration included Dr. V. Clement Ben, Member Secretary of the Central Zoo Authority, Digvijay Singh Khati, a former senior official with Uttarakhand's wildlife department, Dr. Pradeep K. Malik of the Wildlife Institute of India, and Dr. Brij Kishor Gupta from the GZRRC. They highlighted the importance of this initiative as a cornerstone for advancing wildlife health and conservation efforts.

Scheduled to run from August 18 to August 20, the programme welcomes 54 veterinarians drawn from across India's zoos and wildlife facilities. Participants will be immersed in a collaborative learning environment that features expert-led discussions, interactive training, and real-world demonstrations aimed at bolstering national capabilities in areas such as wildlife health management, emergency response, and disease prevention.

With contributions from both local and international experts, the course will unfold within Vantara's extensive facilities, including the Wildlife Multispecialty Hospital and other specialized care centers. Key topics on the agenda include modern veterinary practices, emergency responses, diagnostic techniques, and managing zoonotic risks, supplemented by an emphasis on preventive healthcare for captive animals.

Dr. Brij Kishor Gupta, Director of Vantara's Greens Zoological, Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, remarked on the initiative's mission to strengthen a comprehensive veterinary network dedicated to wildlife conservation. This programme, falling under Vantara's 'Healing the Wild' initiative, aspires to align India's veterinary practices with global standards and enhance its biodiversity protection efforts.

Vantara stands as a beacon of excellence, housing over 150,000 animals from more than 2,000 species and a workforce exceeding 3,500. Celebrated for its commitment to animal welfare, Vantara continues to push the boundaries of wildlife care, evident in recent initiatives such as the National Gajsevak Sammelan, training programmes for Congolese wildlife officials, and the upcoming National Zoo Directors' Conference.

(With inputs from agencies.)