Vantara Success Story: How An Adult Male Leopard Was Treated for Cherry Eye

The Reliance Foundation’s Vantara project, an umbrella initiative to focus on the rescue, treatment, care and rehabilitation of injured, abused and threatened animals, already boasts of several success stories — including one where an adult male leopard was treated for his Cherry Eye condition.

The project conceived by Mukesh and Nita Ambani’s youngest son Anant Ambani is considered the largest animal rescue and rehabilitation centre globally.

Cherry Eye is a disorder of the nictitating membrane (NM), also called the third eyelid. It is most often seen in young animals under the age of two. Common misnomers about the cause of Cherry Eye include adenitis, hyperplasia, and adenoma of the gland of the third eyelid. In many species, the third eyelid plays an essential role in vision by supplying oxygen and nutrients to the eye via tear production. Normally, the gland can turn inside-out without detachment.

Cherry Eye results from a defect in the retinaculum which is responsible for anchoring the gland to the periorbita. This defect causes the gland to prolapse and protrude from the eye as a red fleshy mass. Problems arise as the sensitive tissue dries out and is subjected to external trauma. Exposure of the tissue often results in secondary inflammation, swelling, or infection. If left untreated, this condition can lead to dry eye syndrome and other complications.

After clinical examination, a surgery was conducted at Vantara for the removal of excess growth under general anaesthesia. The animal is gaining proper vision after the surgery.

Situated within the ‘Green Belt’ of Reliance’s Jamnagar Refinery Complex, the Vantara animal shelter spans 3,000 acres, providing a jungle-like environment that closely resembles the natural, lush habitat for the rescued species to flourish. With over 2,000 rescued animals, the facility has welcomed creatures from various regions across the country and around the world.

Earlier, in an interview with CNN-News18, Anant Ambani said the newly announced initiative is driven by the cause of animal welfare and his will to give back to society.

Anant is soon to be married to his fiancée Radhika Merchant. Currently, he is gearing up for his pre-wedding festivities in Jamnagar from March 1 to 3, which will be attended by global tycoons from the fields of business, entertainment, and technology.