VANTARA’S STATEMENT REGARDING MADHURI (MAHADEVI), THE ELEPHANT
In Short
Vantara has issued a statement about elephant Madhuri. Madhuri is also known as Mahadevi. The High‑Level Committee has ordered that Madhuri may return to Kolhapur. The facility says that Madhuri’s health and well‑being are the important things to them. They promise to keep providing care for Madhuri after the return.
Share :
Madhuri-known and beloved in Kolhapur as Mahadevi-arrived at Vantara (Jamnagar) on July 30
Madhuri-known and beloved in Kolhapur as Mahadevi-arrived at Vantara (Jamnagar) on July 30, 2025, in compliance with directives from the High-Level Committee (HPC), which were ratified by the Honourable Bombay High Court and the Honourable Supreme Court. Vantara did not seek custody of her; the facility received and cared for her because it was ordered to do so.
We fully understand the deep sentiments Madhuri evokes in Kolhapur. Following discussions with the Government of Maharashtra, its officials, stakeholders, and community members, Vantara stated on August 6, 2025, that it respected those sentiments and would abide by the instructions of the competent authorities.
Subsequently, the Honourable Supreme Court ordered the parties to present their arguments before the HPC. After hearing the parties, requesting reports, and inspecting the Nandani facilities, the HPC issued a reasoned order on September 9, 2026, authorising Madhuri’s return to Kolhapur, subject to strict conditions. These include a prohibition on using her in processions or for any other purpose, a requirement for round-the-clock care, and the necessity of undergoing a medical examination every fortnight.
Vantara respects the authority of the HPC and will fully comply with its directives.
Our stance regarding Madhuri has always been guided by veterinary science and her well-being. Her condition has stabilized thanks to constant veterinary care, but her chronic ailments have not disappeared. She continues to require appropriate care, supportive management, and periodic veterinary monitoring.
Our responsibility does not end with her return to Kolhapur. Vantara has worked to support her transition, helping to ensure the presence of suitable living conditions, veterinary infrastructure, medical equipment, medications, and other necessary resources. Vantara veterinarians will visit Madhuri in Kolhapur every fortnight to conduct medical examinations and submit reports to the competent authorities, as ordered by the HPC. The goal is to ensure continuity of care and safeguard her well-being, regardless of where she is housed.
Vantara has also worked on the enclosure and facilities at Nandani, where Madhuri is now returning. Within the existing infrastructure, the best possible conditions have been established for her. At this stage, further infrastructure improvements were not possible due to zoning restrictions, as a road running through the Foundation's grounds limited the space available for development. Once Madhuri has settled into her new environment, Vantara will remain available to the Math to carry out the modernization of the facilities. Furthermore, Vantara will collaborate on such modernization if ordered to do so by the courts or competent authorities.
Vantara believes that true animal welfare requires action, veterinary science, responsible care, respect for due process, and an unwavering commitment to protecting life forever.
Vantara thanks the Honourable Supreme Court, the Honourable Bombay High Court, and the HPC for their directives. We thank the governments of Maharashtra and Gujarat, as well as their officials, for the support provided. We also express our gratitude to the Math and the residents of Kolhapur for their concern for Madhuri. Likewise, we acknowledge the role of PETA India in bringing Madhuri's situation to the attention of the HPC and value our long-standing collaboration for animal welfare.
Madhuri's well-being remains Vantara's absolute priority. Our commitment to her health, well-being, and dignity does not depend on where she resides. We wish her good health and a long, safe, and happy life.
