Jamnagar, India – Vantara, the animal rescue and rehabilitation center established by Anant Ambani in Gujarat, has received high praise for its world-class animal care standards and adherence to Indian regulations. The facility, officially named Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (GZRRC), has been the subject of scrutiny, but recent assessments, including one seemingly monitored by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), have validated its commitment to animal welfare.
Spanning 3,000 acres within Reliance's refinery complex in Jamnagar, Vantara houses over 10,000 animals as of March 2024, representing a diverse range of species. The center's mission is to provide a safe haven for rescued animals, offering them specialized veterinary care and rehabilitation.
Allegations regarding the sourcing of animals and potential violations of wildlife protection laws have been addressed in a recent report by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed by the Supreme Court. The SIT's investigation covered various aspects, including the acquisition of animals from both India and abroad, compliance with the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and adherence to CITES regulations. The probe also scrutinized veterinary standards, and allegations of misuse of resources. The Supreme Court accepted the report.
The SIT concluded that all animal acquisitions and transfers, including those of elephants and exotic species, were lawful and fully compliant with regulations. The team also dismissed accusations of financial misconduct, misuse of resources, or the creation of a private collection as baseless. The Supreme Court, in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the transfer of elephants to Vantara, stated that there was no issue if Vantara took elephants from the forest department, provided procedures were followed.
CITES plays a crucial role in regulating international trade in endangered species, and Vantara has stated that all animal transfers are conducted legally and ethically, in full compliance with CITES, Indian laws, and international regulations. Vantara claims that it only accepts animals classified as captive-bred, as evidenced by their CITES permits. However, some reports have indicated loopholes exist where organizations can bypass certain restrictions by classifying shipments under the "zoological institutions" purpose code.
Vantara has also faced criticism regarding the origins of its animals, with some reports suggesting that a significant number may have been sourced from the wild rather than from rescues or captive breeding programs. Vantara has refuted these claims, stating that its animals come from other zoological institutions, rescue centers, surrenders, and legal rehabilitations. The center asserts that it does not engage in or support the wild capture of animals.
Despite the controversies, Vantara has received endorsements from reputable organizations, including the Global Humane Society, which awarded the sanctuary the Global Humane Certified Seal of Approval after a thorough site inspection. This recognition further validates Vantara's commitment to upholding global benchmarks in animal welfare, ethical conservation, and scientific rehabilitation.
