Elephant Madhuri may be reunited with Kolhapur monastery after Supreme Court review

A 36-year-old elephant named Madhuri, also known as Mahadevi, is set to return to her long-time home in Kolhapur after widespread protests and political intervention over her recent relocation.

The female elephant was moved last week to the Vantara wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, following a Supreme Court directive.

However, in response to mounting public pressure, officials at the facility have now stated they are prepared to ensure her safe and dignified return — subject to legal clearance.

Madhuri had lived for over three decades at the Swastishree Jinsen Bhattarak Pattacharya Mahaswami Sansthan Matt, a Jain monastery located in Nandani village in Kolhapur district, Maharashtra.

Animal rights group PETA India had earlier flagged concerns about her living conditions, describing them as "cruel and bleak," with claims that she was frequently kept in chains.

In 2017, the elephant fatally injured a monk at the temple after reportedly lashing out in frustration. This incident led to a prolonged legal battle, culminating in a 2024 court order mandating her rehabilitation.

Following the court ruling, Madhuri was moved to Vantara — an expansive animal welfare centre run by Anant Ambani, son of industrialist Mukesh Ambani, and supported by Reliance Industries and the Reliance Foundation.

The sanctuary houses more than 200 elephants along with hundreds of other animals, including lions, tigers, leopards, bears and crocodiles.

Despite the sanctuary’s reputation for high-standard care, the move ignited strong emotions in Kolhapur, where the elephant is considered a spiritual symbol.

The relocation drew significant backlash from the local Jain community and residents of Kolhapur. Thousands participated in demonstrations, including a 45-kilometre protest march from the monastery to Kolhapur city. In a symbolic protest, many also boycotted Jio mobile services, a Reliance-owned brand.

In response to the escalating tensions, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis chaired a high-level meeting with representatives from all political parties. He later confirmed that the state would file a review petition in the Supreme Court seeking Madhuri’s return.

“I have good news,” Fadnavis said on Wednesday. “Vantara has agreed to support the review petition, ensuring smooth passage for Madhuri’s return.”

In a bid to address the concerns raised while still adhering to animal welfare norms, Vantara has proposed the creation of a satellite rehabilitation centre in Nandani, in close coordination with the Jain Matt and the Maharashtra government.

The proposed facility will include advanced features such as a hydrotherapy pond for joint relief, a swimming area for natural movement, and a laser therapy room for physical rehabilitation — all designed to support the elephant’s health and well-being.

In an official statement, Vantara expressed its respect for the religious sentiments involved, while clarifying that the relocation was strictly carried out under legal directives from the Supreme Court and Bombay High Court.

“At no stage did Vantara initiate or recommend the relocation. Our sole role was to provide care and housing in compliance with judicial orders,” the statement read. The facility also extended its “sincere regret” if the situation had caused distress to the Jain community or residents of Kolhapur.

As the legal process continues, Madhuri’s return now hinges on the Supreme Court’s review — one that could soon see the revered elephant come home to a community that never stopped fighting for her.

— With inputs from agencies