Vantara team deployed after elephants run amok during Jagannath Rathyatra in Ahmedabad

A sudden disturbance involving three elephants during the 148th Jagannath Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad prompted the deployment of a specialised wildlife emergency response team from Jamnagar.

The incident unfolded when an elephant, reportedly agitated by loud music and the crowd’s noise, broke formation and charged ahead. Two other elephants, part of the same procession, followed in panic, triggering brief chaos along the Yatra route.

Local authorities, assessing the potential risk to both people and animals, sought assistance from Vantara, the wildlife welfare initiative based in Jamnagar. In response, the organisation dispatched a team comprising 2 wildlife veterinarians, 6 mahouts, 11 support staff, and 5 specially equipped elephant ambulances.

Vantara’s team assisted the local authorities with the medical assessment of the affected bull and cow elephants, offering behavioural and psychological support, and ensuring safe containment where necessary.

“Following the recent incident involving elephant unrest during the Rath Yatra, we reached out to Vantara for immediate support. Their team responded swiftly from Jamnagar and coordinated with local authorities and animal handlers to arrange for their relocation for better care,” stated Dr K Ramesh (IFS), Chief Conservator of Forest, Gujarat.