In brief
In response to public interest petitions alleging violations of wildlife laws and animal mistreatment, India's Supreme Court has initiated an inquiry into Vantara, a private zoo owned by Anant Ambani, son of billionaire Mukesh Ambani. The zoo, located in Gujarat, is home to hundreds of animals, including endangered species. While no evidence has yet been found to support the allegations, the inquiry aims to address concerns raised by wildlife activists and ensure compliance with legal standards.
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 some 2,000 species, Vantara bills itself as the world's largest wildlife rehabilitation center. 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. Activists have also claimed that Vantara's location in Gujarat state, with its hot and dry climate, as well as its location next to a giant oil refinery, was unsuitable for some of the species kept at the center. During the hearing on Tuesday, the Supreme Court asked the Special Investigation Team (SIT) panel of four retired judges to submit its report on Vantara by 12 September. The investigation will focus on claims of illegal animal acquisition - especially of elephants - as well as violations of wildlife laws and allegations of financial irregularities and money laundering. The SIT will also look into complaints regarding climatic conditions and allegations of the facility being located near an industrial zone.
