Ambani family gets major win — details inside
This decision gives relief to the Ambani family as they own the private zoo Vantara
A United Nations wildlife trade panel has decided not to place any restrictions on Vantara’s import of endangered animals.
This decision gives sighs of relief to Vantara, the billionaire Ambani family’s expansive private zoo in Gujarat.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora CITES reversed its position after India, along with the US, Japan, and Brazil, argued that the initial recommendation was premature and lacked evidence of illegal imports.
Vantara, a 3,500-acre animal care and conservation facility run by the Reliance Foundation, owned by Mukesh Ambani, had faced allegations from wildlife groups over improper imports of some animals. Those claims prompted increased scrutiny from Germany and the EU.
Following a September site visit, CITES noted mismatches between exporter and importer records and raised questions about the verification of certain animals’ origins.
That report initially led the body to advise India to pause new import permits.
India confirmed its commitment to CITES compliance. Vantara, which has maintained that it operates transparently and within all legal frameworks, did not immediately issue a statement following the decision.
The zoo houses around 2,000 species, including exotic tigers, giraffes, tortoises, snakes, and spiny-tailed lizards, which have been imported from countries such as South Africa, Venezuela, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Still, some parties continue to urge caution. Belgium and conservation members, including the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance, pushed for a temporary suspension of exports to India until all issues are fully resolved.
Vantara was previously cleared of wrongdoing by an investigation appointed by India’s Supreme Court in September.
In August, EU environment commissioner Jessika Roswall warned member states to examine export requests related to the facility closely.
