On Friday, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India released a statement on Elephant Madhuri aka Mahadevi saying, “Madhuri needs a quiet space to roam freely, a water body to ease her pain and allow exercise of her ailing feet, and advanced veterinary equipment and expertise to ease her pain from her multiple health problems. Vantara provides all that and there is no other such facility in Maharashtra at the moment.”
The animal welfare organisation further said, “Should that change, PETA India would not oppose having her treated there, in the same way we support rescued elephants going to Wildlife SOS in Uttar Pradesh and Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Karnataka if that rehabilitation centre met Vantara standards where elephants are respected, never exploited, chained or controlled with weapons. Specifically, this means the centre is built for her permanent retirement and perhaps that of a few other rescued elephants and is in a quiet location, away from crowds and traffic, rather than be a visitor-focused zoo-like facility. Living in peaceful retirement, chain-free and treated for both physical and psychological damage is paramount for Madhuri.”
This comes two days after Gujarat-based animal rescue centre Vantara said on Wednesday that it will support efforts to bring back elephant Madhuri to her original home in Kolhapur following Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ statement saying he plans for a conversation with the Vantara team about the return of the elephant Madhuri to the Nandani Math.
PETA India urges Supreme Court to reconsider matter
PETA India further mentioned in its statement, “PETA India are aware of ongoing discussions about the ultimate fate of Madhuri, the elephant, and hope for the best outcomes for her. We concur with the Bombay High Court’s order dated 16 July 2025, that, given her poor condition, most importantly, Madhuri’s health must be treated as a priority above all else. Just as humans sometimes need hospitalisation, extensive care and retirement, so do elephants. And just as humans need other humans for our wellbeing, so do elephants need to be with other elephants as they are herd animals, matriarchs, who value family relationships greatly. See Madhuri meeting her first elephant friend at Vantara’s Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust.”
“The key concern is that Madhuri has long been in need of specialised veterinary care and company of other elephants for her wellbeing, and so we wholeheartedly support the Bombay High Court and Supreme Court decision to grant her access to top veterinary treatment, freedom from chains, and restorative care as she has grade-4 arthritis, painful foot rot, and displays stereotypical behaviour such as head-bobbing—a sign of severe mental distress in elephants. The honourable courts made a decision to give her a new lease on life after 33 years of living in isolation and on unyielding concrete which contributed to her pain and suffering. Disturbed elephants often attack, and Madhuri showed that to be true as she has already killed the Chief Swamiji.
PETA India’s sole concern is that Madhuri must get the care, quiet and peaceful retirement she needs. The Supreme Court ensured that, and we have faith that the top court would take steps to ensure that again if the matter was reconsidered.”
Elephant Madhuri shifted to Vantara following Court’s order
Madhuri a 36-year-old elephant, also known as Mahadevi, was shifted from Kolhapur’s Nandani Math to Vantara’s facility in Jamnagar recently, following a Bombay High Court order based on a petition from PETA India. The elephant was relocated based on court orders citing years of neglect and poor health.
Protests in Kolhapur after Madhuri shifted to Vantara
Local residents of Kolhapur staged a massive silent march to demand the return of Madhuri aka Mahadevi from Vantara’s wildlife facility in Jamnagar, Gujarat. Despite the Bombay High Court and Supreme Court upholding the decision to transfer Madhuri to Vantara due to her poor health and welfare concerns, locals insist she should be returned.
Over 30,000 people reportedly participated in the 45-kilometer silent march, led by former MP and farm leader Raju Shetty. The protesters also boycotted Jio, Reliance Group’s telecom company, with over 1.5 lakh mobile users switching networks in protest.
Mahadevi is considered sacred by the local Jain community, who have been caring for her since 1992. The elephant has been an integral part of their rituals for over 600 years.
Statement from Vantara
The Vantara team affirmed adherence to the Supreme Court’s directives and stressed that they do not desire custody of Madhuri. On Tuesday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the Maharashtra government would approach the top court again. In response, Vantara issued a statement on Wednesday saying it will back any such move.
The statement reads: “Vantara acknowledges the deep religious and cultural significance that Madhuri holds for the Jain Matha and the people of Kolhapur. For decades, she has been an integral part of deep-rooted spiritual practices and community life. We recognise and respect the sentiments of the devotees, the leadership of the Jain Matha, and the wider community who have expressed their concerns and attachment to Madhuri’s presence in Kolhapur.
Vantara’s involvement in this matter has been limited to acting strictly in accordance to the binding directions issued by the Hon’ble Supreme Court and the Hon’ble Bombay High Court. The decision to relocate Madhuri was taken under judicial authority, and Vantara’s role was to provide care, veterinary support, and housing as an independent rescue and rehabilitation centre. At no stage did Vantara initiate or recommend the relocation, nor was there any intent to interfere with religious practice or sentiment.