Madhuri returns home: Elephant gets a grand welcome in Kolhapur after 13 months in Vantara | Today’s news
Madhuri, also known as Mahadevi, returned to the Nandani Math in Kolhapur more than a year after she was transferred to the Vantara Animal Rescue Center in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
As Madhuri traveled through Pune, residents gathered to welcome her and showered flowers on the vehicle carrying the elephant. In Kolhapur, hundreds of people gathered outside the Math to give Madhuri a grand welcome and celebrate her homecoming.
We fully understand the deep feelings surrounding Madhuri in Kolhapur. After discussions with the Maharashtra government, its officials, stakeholders and community members, Vantara said on 6 August 2025 that it respects these sentiments and will follow the directions of the relevant authorities, as stated in a press release.
The elephant was transferred to Vantara on 28 July 2025 as per the instructions of the High Performance Committee (HPC). The decision was subsequently upheld by both the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court. Madhuri’s relocation came amid protests and a long legal battle over where she should be housed.
After inspecting the proposed facility in Kolhapur, the HPC granted permission for Madhuri to return to Nandani Math on 9 September 2026, more than a year after her relocation.
Vantara said she had no intention to hurt religious sentiments and was only acting on court orders. “We acknowledge and respect the sentiments of the devotees, Jain Math management and the wider community who have expressed their concern and attachment to Madhuri’s presence in Kolhapur,” the statement said.
“At no stage did Vantara initiate or recommend the relocation, nor was there any intention to interfere with religious practice or sentiment,” the statement said.
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Vantara said he will also help set up a new elephant care center for Madhuri in Kolhapur’s Nandani area. This new location will follow animal care guidelines and expert advice.
“The proposed facility will be developed in accordance with established animal welfare guidelines, in consultation with experts from the High Power Committee and Math Consensus, while conforming to international best practices in elephant care,” Vantara said in a statement.
Read also | Messi will end his tour of India with a visit to Vantara, Hindu rituals and a warm thank you
What is the Madhuri controversy?
Madhuri, a 36-year-old elephant, had lived in a Jain monastery in Kolhapur since 1992 and was loved by the local community. In 2023, PETA complained that she was sick and mistreated.
A court-appointed team confirmed her health problems such as arthritis and mental stress. Based on this, the Bombay High Court and Supreme Court ordered her to move to Vantara in July.
This upset many in Maharashtra, especially the Jain community who claimed Madhuri as part of their faith. People protested, called for Jio boycott, used hashtags and wrote letters.
(With agency input)
