Archive · 13 Sep 2026
Madhuri’s Nandani Satellite Rehabilitation Centre Expected Within Eight Months
Madhuri is an elephant who has returned to Nandani after spending more than a year at Vantara.
A new care centre may be built for her in the village within six to eight months.
The centre would give her similar food, exercise, baths and medical care.
Workers are planning to use six acres of land for the facility.
A road currently cuts through that land, so officials may move it.
Other elephants could eventually join Madhuri so she has company.
Her mahout Ismail said she recognised him when she came home.
Some villagers are very happy she returned.
However, some residents still do not want to switch back to Jio because they were upset when she was taken away.
Vantara CEO Vivaan Karani said Madhuri’s permanent satellite rehabilitation centre in Nandani could be ready in six to eight months.
Six acres at Nandani math have been earmarked, but a road currently divides the site into four-acre and two-acre parcels.
The facility is expected to continue Madhuri’s Vantara care routine, including her diet, massage, hydrotherapy and exercise.
Plans include bringing elephants from nearby areas to help Madhuri socialise and possibly provide lifetime care.
Residents welcomed Madhuri’s return, but opinions remain divided over whether to resume using Jio after her relocation last year.
- Who
- Elephant Madhuri, Vantara CEO Vivaan Karani, former MP Raju Shetti, her mahout Ismail B, and residents of Nandani.
- What
- Plans are being developed for a permanent Vantara satellite elephant rehabilitation centre in Nandani after Madhuri’s return.
- When
- The centre is expected to be ready in six to eight months; Madhuri had been away for more than 13 months.
- Where
- Nandani in Kolhapur district, Maharashtra; six acres at Nandani math have been earmarked for the facility.
- Why
- The centre is intended to continue Madhuri’s care in a larger, more natural habitat and help her socialise with other elephants.
Residents Supporting a Return to Jio
Residents Still Rejecting Jio
Response to Madhuri’s homecoming
Residents Supporting a Return to Jio
Raju Shetti said many residents are happy Madhuri has returned and may consider switching back to Jio; he thanked Anant Ambani for caring for her.
Residents Still Rejecting Jio
Arya Aute and Adarsh Sambhushete said residents remain upset about Madhuri’s departure last year and will not switch back to Jio, despite welcoming her home.
- Estimated completion
- Six to eight months
- Site earmarked
- Six acres at Nandani math
- Land complication
- A road divides the site into four-acre and two-acre parcels
- Daily exercise
- Madhuri has been advised to walk 15 kilometres daily
- Food cultivation
- About 14 acres at Nandani have been set aside to grow food for her
- Time away
- Madhuri spent more than 13 months away from Nandani
- Potential elephant additions
- Elephants from Kunthugiri, Kunjwan and Shedbal may be brought to the centre