The institution aims to combine modern science with traditional knowledge to train future experts in wildlife care, conservation, and ecosystem management, while using hands-on learning through real-world conservation work
-1775823978044_d.png "Vantara announces launch of world’s first wildlife and veterinary university in Jamnagar")
A new global centre for wildlife education launched. PIC/INSTA
Vantara, the wildlife conservation organisation founded by Reliance Industries Executive Director Anant Ambani, has announced the launch of Vantara University in Jamnagar today, the world’s first integrated institution dedicated to wildlife conservation and veterinary sciences. It aims to position India as a global hub for wildlife education and animal care.
A modern Gurukul-inspired vision
Vantara University is designed as a modern-day Gurukul, combining traditional Indian knowledge systems with modern science and research.
The focus is on animal welfare, veterinary medicine and conservation science. The university will train future professionals to care for wildlife and address global environmental challenges.
Anant Ambani said the idea comes from a personal journey and a need to improve animal care systems. He said, “The future of conservation will depend on how we prepare minds and institutions to serve life with compassion, knowledge, and skill.”
He also referred to the inspiration from ancient Nalanda University and the Sanskrit phrase “A no bhadraaḥ kratavo yantu visvataḥ”, meaning “let noble thoughts come to us from all directions.”
Symbolic foundation ceremony in Jamnagar
The foundation ceremony followed Hindu traditions and brought together academics, scientists, conservation experts, and public figures, including Anant Ambani’s teachers and mentors.
A symbolic part of the event included placing soil, water, and stones collected from different ecological regions across India such as forests, grasslands, wetlands, deserts and Himalayan regions. This represented India’s biodiversity and natural heritage.
Two Bijoliya sandstone pieces, linked to ancient geological formations associated with Nalanda, were also used in the design to symbolise India’s knowledge legacy.
What the university will offer
Vantara University will bring multiple disciplines under one academic system, combining classroom learning with real-world conservation work.
Courses will include:
- Wildlife medicine and surgery
- Animal nutrition
- Behavioural sciences
- Genetics and epidemiology
- One Health studies
- Conservation policy
- Animal care environment design
The university will offer undergraduate, postgraduate, fellowship and specialised programmes. Scholarships will also be provided for students from economically and socially weaker backgrounds.
Learning through real-world conservation work
The university will use Vantara’s existing wildlife rescue and rehabilitation work as a learning base. Students will gain practical training through fieldwork and scientific research.
It will also integrate in-situ (natural habitats) and ex-situ (care centres) conservation methods to improve long-term wildlife protection. The aim is to combine science, compassion, and practical experience to create professionals who can handle complex wildlife and ecosystem challenges.
Infrastructure, global collaborations and scholarships
The university will have advanced academic buildings, clinical facilities and a residential campus. It will also collaborate with international institutions and focus on research-driven learning.
The focus will be on applied research in animal health, conservation systems, and ecosystem management.
The initiative also introduces programmes like the “Vantara University Founding Fellows” and “Every Life Matters” scholarships. Officials said the goal is to build not just an educational institution, but a platform that strengthens compassionate conservation and long-term wildlife protection.
About Vantara
Vantara is a wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, healthcare, and conservation initiative based in Jamnagar, Gujarat. It focuses on advanced veterinary care, species recovery, conservation breeding, and long-term animal welfare.
The organisation is also working toward global standards in wildlife healthcare and conservation science.
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