Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Vantara Accepts Order Allowing Madhuri’s Return to Kolhapur
An elephant named Madhuri is allowed to return to Kolhapur.
People there also know her as Mahadevi.
She was taken to Vantara in Jamnagar in 2025 under official instructions.
A committee has now approved her return after reviewing reports and visiting the place where she will live.
Madhuri cannot be used in processions or for other purposes.
She must receive care all day and night.
Veterinarians must examine her every two weeks.
Vantara says her health is more stable, but her long-term illnesses still need treatment and monitoring.
Vantara will keep helping care for her after she returns.
Vantara said it will comply with the High-Powered Committee’s order allowing elephant Madhuri to return to Kolhapur.
Madhuri, known as Mahadevi in Kolhapur, was moved to Vantara in Jamnagar on July 30, 2025.
The order prohibits her use in processions, requires round-the-clock care and mandates medical examinations every fortnight.
Vantara said Madhuri’s condition has stabilised, but her chronic ailments require continued treatment and veterinary monitoring.
Vantara helped prepare facilities at Nandani and said its veterinarians will continue visiting Madhuri after her relocation.
- Who
- Vantara, the High-Powered Committee, and elephant Madhuri, also known as Mahadevi.
- What
- The High-Powered Committee permitted Madhuri to return to Kolhapur under strict welfare and medical conditions, and Vantara agreed to comply.
- When
- Madhuri moved to Vantara on July 30, 2025; the committee issued its return order on September 9, 2026, and Vantara issued its statement on September 11.
- Where
- Madhuri is due to return from Vantara in Jamnagar, Gujarat, to the Nandani facility in Kolhapur.
- Why
- The committee approved the return after hearing the parties, reviewing reports and inspecting the Nandani facility; Vantara said Madhuri still needs ongoing care because of chronic health conditions.
- Elephant’s names
- Madhuri; known as Mahadevi in Kolhapur
- Current centre
- Vantara, an animal rescue and rehabilitation centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat
- Transfer to Vantara
- July 30, 2025
- Return decision
- The High-Powered Committee permitted Madhuri’s return on September 9, 2026
- Welfare conditions
- No processions or other use; round-the-clock care is required
- Medical requirement
- Medical examinations and reports every fortnight
- Continued support
- Vantara said its veterinarians will visit Madhuri in Kolhapur every two weeks
