In brief
The Supreme Court of India has ordered an inquiry into Vantara, a private zoo run by Anant Ambani, amidst allegations of illegal animal acquisition and mistreatment. The facility, which houses around 2,000 animals, including elephants and big cats, has been criticized for potential violations of wildlife laws and financial irregularities. The inquiry will examine circumstances under which animals were acquired and evaluate claims related to their welfare and the zoo's location near industrial zones. This move comes after public outcry and growing concerns from wildlife activists.
Investigators in India will visit a vast private zoo owned by the billionaire Ambani family, after the Supreme Court ordered an inquiry into allegations that animals were acquired unlawfully and mistreated.The inquiry will also examine possible violations of wildlife laws at Vantara, as well as allegations of financial irregularities and money laundering. The Supreme Court said there was no proof to support the allegations but ordered an inquiry because authorities had been accused of failing in their duties.Vantara, run by Anant Ambani - son of Asia's richest man Mukesh Ambani - is home to hundreds of elephants, tigers, and other animals. It has promised full cooperation with the inquiry.Vantara remains committed to transparency, compassion, and full compliance with the law. Our mission and focus continues to be the rescue, rehabilitation, and care of animals, it said, without directly commenting on the allegations. Spread over 3,500 acres and home to around 2,000 species, Vantara bills itself as the world's largest wildlife rehabilitation centre. It was one of the venues for Anant Ambani's lavish pre-wedding events that made global headlines last year.The animal collection is located in Jamnagar in the western state of Gujarat, not far from Mukesh Ambani's oil refinery - the largest in the world. Vantara was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March this year, who called the effort truly commendable, while sharing glimpses of his visit on X. But it is closed to the public and has long drawn criticism from wildlife activists and conservationists.The Supreme Court was ruling on public interest petitions that it said contained unsupported allegations. However, it stated: In light of the allegations that statutory authorities or the courts are either unwilling or incapable of discharging their mandate... we consider it appropriate for an independent factual appraisal.Vantara is home to a wide variety of animals - including about 200 elephants, 300 big cats such as leopards, tigers, and lions, and more than 300 herbivores and 1,200 reptiles, according to reports.The shelter has been at the centre of protests following the relocation of an ailing elephant called Mahadevi in July, which has sparked significant backlash in Maharashtra. The Maharashtra state government is seeking to overturn the court decision regarding her relocation to Vantara.The next court hearing is scheduled for 15 September.
