Vantara To Comply With Order Allowing Madhuri’s Return To Kolhapur

JAMNAGAR, Sept 11: Vantara on Friday said it would fully comply with the High-Powered Committee’s (HPC) order permitting elephant Madhuri, also known as Mahadevi, to return to Kolhapur, while continuing to support her medical care and welfare after her relocation.

In a statement, Vantara said Madhuri was brought to its facility in Jamnagar on July 30, 2025, in compliance with directions of the HPC that were upheld by the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court. It said it had not sought her custody but received and cared for her as directed.

The HPC, after hearing the parties, seeking reports and inspecting the facility at Nandani, passed a reasoned order on September 9, 2026, permitting Madhuri’s return to Kolhapur subject to strict conditions. These include a ban on her use in processions or for any other purpose, round-the-clock care and a medical examination every fortnight.

Vantara said Madhuri’s condition had been stabilised through sustained veterinary care, though her chronic conditions continued to require supportive management and regular monitoring.

It said it had supported her transition by helping arrange appropriate living conditions, veterinary infrastructure, medical equipment, medicines and other necessities at Nandani. Vantara veterinarians will visit Madhuri every fortnight in Kolhapur to conduct medical examinations and submit reports to competent authorities as directed by the HPC.

Vantara also said it had made the best possible arrangements at the Nandani facility within available infrastructure, while further expansion was constrained by town planning restrictions and a road passing through Trust land. It offered to remain available to the Math for future facility upgrades and would assist if directed by courts or competent authorities.

The organisation said its approach to Madhuri had always been guided by veterinary science, due process and animal welfare. It expressed gratitude to the Supreme Court, Bombay High Court, HPC, Governments of Maharashtra and Gujarat, the Math, people of Kolhapur and PETA India for their respective roles in the matter.

“Madhuri’s wellbeing remains Vantara’s first concern,” it said, wishing the elephant good health and a safe and long life. (Agencies)