- Anant Ambani–founded conservation centre brings world-class veterinary science to curb EEHV fatalities
- Expert teams deployed in Riau to strengthen early detection, preventive care and disease management
- Cross-border collaboration sets a new benchmark in data-driven, prevention-first wildlife healthcare
NE ENVIRONMENT BUREAU
JAMNAGAR / JAKARTA, DEC 24
Vantara, the globally recognised wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and conservation centre founded by Anant Ambani and based in Jamnagar, Gujarat, is extending its exemplary expertise to Indonesia to help curb deaths among Sumatran elephants caused by Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV), a highly fatal disease that primarily affects young elephants.
The collaboration with Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry (Kementerian Kehutanan) comes at a critical time, following the recent death of a young elephant due to EEHV infection at the Sebanga Elephant Conservation Center in Bengkalis, Riau. EEHV poses a grave additional threat to the Sumatran elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus), already under severe pressure from habitat loss and classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
In response, the Indonesian government-initiated cooperation with Vantara through its local partner, Fauna Land Indonesia, to reinforce early detection systems, preventive healthcare, and rapid veterinary response mechanisms. As part of this engagement, a multidisciplinary team of elephant veterinarians, biologists and specialists from Vantara arrived in Riau on Monday to support on-ground EEHV response measures.
Working closely with Indonesian authorities and local partners, the Vantara team is conducting detailed medical assessments and implementing preventive interventions for elephants under human care. A strong emphasis is being placed on early symptom recognition, strengthening disease management protocols, and reducing mortality risks through timely clinical action.
Vantara is contributing advanced technical expertise in veterinary diagnostics, preventive healthcare, and research support related to prophylaxis and antiviral treatment options for EEHV. The initiative also focuses on developing baseline health data and building long-term capacity through structured knowledge sharing and training programmes for elephant caretakers and local veterinary personnel.
Located in Jamnagar, Gujarat, Vantara is a global centre of excellence dedicated to wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and long-term care, with specialised expertise in elephant health and welfare across both Asian and African species. Home to one of the world’s most advanced elephant hospitals, the centre integrates cutting-edge veterinary science with ethical, evidence-based practices, prioritising early intervention, disease prevention and sustainable conservation outcomes.
While the current phase of the programme is focused on Buluh Cina Nature Tourism Park in Riau, the preventive framework and technical protocols developed through this collaboration are expected to be extended to other critical elephant habitats, including Tesso Nilo National Park, Sebanga, Way Kambas and additional locations across Indonesia.
This cross-border exchange of technical expertise underscores the growing importance of international collaboration in wildlife conservation. The Vantara–Indonesia partnership is poised to serve as a model for structured, data-driven and prevention-oriented wildlife health management, contributing meaningfully to the long-term survival of the Sumatran elephant.
