India has urged a United Nations wildlife trade body not to restrict its imports of endangered species, asserting that it has strengthened oversight following allegations of irregular animal imports linked to Vantara, a vast private zoo run by the Ambani family.
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The 3,500-acre sanctuary in Gujarat, managed by the philanthropic arm of Mukesh Ambani’s conglomerate, has been under international scrutiny after reports by Reuters suggested possible violations in the import of exotic animals. Authorities in Germany and the European Union subsequently increased monitoring of wildlife shipments connected to the facility.
Indian investigators appointed by the Supreme Court examined complaints by wildlife groups and cleared Vantara of wrongdoing in September, stating the zoo operated within legal and regulatory frameworks. The facility has consistently maintained that it complies with CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) guidelines.
However, following a visit to Vantara, the CITES Secretariat issued a report last week citing discrepancies in trade data between exporting and importing countries and raised concerns about the origins of some animals. It recommended that India pause new import permits for endangered species until more robust safeguards were in place.
In its November 10 submission to CITES, India rejected the proposal, calling it “premature and disproportionate.” The government warned that imposing restrictions now would effectively amount to a de facto suspension of lawful trade, lacking a sound legal basis.
India further emphasized that it had tightened inspection and reporting mechanisms for all registered zoos and wildlife rescue centers, including Vantara, and directed the Central Zoo Authority to ensure enhanced due diligence for all future imports.
CITES and Vantara did not respond to Reuters inquiries regarding India’s submission.
Vantara, which houses about 2,000 species from around the world — including tigers, cheetahs, chimpanzees, giraffes, snakes, and tortoises — sources many animals from South Africa, Venezuela, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The declared value of these shipments, totaling $9 million, covers freight and insurance rather than direct payments for wildlife, according to Vantara.
The recent CITES report also noted that several imported animals originated from commercial breeding facilities, which typically sell their offspring. India, however, cited the findings of its Supreme Court-appointed panel, reaffirming that all imports were conducted in accordance with national and international regulations.
