Elephant Madhuri now on her way to Kolhapur as Anant Ambani's Vantara vows continued medical care
Madhuri, the elephant popularly known as Mahadevi in Kolhapur, will be allowed to return to the city after the High-Powered Committee (HPC) passed an order on September 9, Anant Ambani’s Vantara said in a statement on Thursday.
According to Vantara, the HPC permitted Madhuri’s return after hearing the parties' claims, reviewing reports, and inspecting the facility at Nandani in Maharashtra. The order has laid down several conditions, including that Madhuri cannot be used in processions or for any other purpose.
The elephant will also need round-the-clock care and a medical examination every fortnight, Vantara said.
The organisation said Madhuri’s health had stabilised after sustained veterinary care, but her chronic conditions still require supportive management and regular monitoring.
As part of the transition, Vantara said it had helped arrange living conditions, veterinary infrastructure, medical equipment, medicines and other necessities at the Nandani facility . Its veterinarians will visit Madhuri in Kolhapur every fortnight to conduct her medical examination and submit reports to the competent authorities, as directed by the HPC.
Vantara also said it had worked to improve the enclosure at Nandani within the available infrastructure. Further upgrades, it said, were currently restricted by town-planning constraints, including a road passing through land belonging to the trust.
The organisation added that it would remain available to support future upgrades at the facility and would assist if directed by the courts or competent authorities.
“Madhuri’s wellbeing remains Vantara’s first concern. Our commitment to her health, welfare and dignity does not depend on where she lives,” the statement said.
According to Vantara, the HPC permitted Madhuri’s return after hearing the parties' claims, reviewing reports, and inspecting the facility at Nandani in Maharashtra. The order has laid down several conditions, including that Madhuri cannot be used in processions or for any other purpose.
The elephant will also need round-the-clock care and a medical examination every fortnight, Vantara said.
Madhuri was brought to Vantara in Jamnagar on July 30, 2025, in compliance with directions from the HPC, which the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court upheld. Vantara said it had not sought her custody but had received and cared for her in accordance with the directions.
The organisation said Madhuri’s health had stabilised after sustained veterinary care, but her chronic conditions still require supportive management and regular monitoring.
As part of the transition, Vantara said it had helped arrange living conditions, veterinary infrastructure, medical equipment, medicines and other necessities at the Nandani facility . Its veterinarians will visit Madhuri in Kolhapur every fortnight to conduct her medical examination and submit reports to the competent authorities, as directed by the HPC.
Vantara also said it had worked to improve the enclosure at Nandani within the available infrastructure. Further upgrades, it said, were currently restricted by town-planning constraints, including a road passing through land belonging to the trust.
The organisation added that it would remain available to support future upgrades at the facility and would assist if directed by the courts or competent authorities.
“Madhuri’s wellbeing remains Vantara’s first concern. Our commitment to her health, welfare and dignity does not depend on where she lives,” the statement said.
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