Vantara Private Zoo Faces Allegations of Illegal Wildlife Trade, Calls Reports ‘Baseless’
Vantara Private Zoo, also known as the Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Center (GZRRC) in Jamnagar, Gujarat, is facing serious allegations regarding its animal acquisition practices. A report by German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung (SZ) claims that many of the animals at Vantara were taken from their natural habitats rather than being legally rescued. Vantara has strongly denied these claims, calling them “misleading” and “baseless.”
What Is Vantara Private Zoo?
Vantara Private Zoo, owned by Anant Ambani, was established in 2019 as a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center. Spanning 277 hectares, it houses over 10,000 animals from different species. It was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 3, 2025, on World Wildlife Day.
The zoo presents itself as a sanctuary for rescued and endangered animals, but recent investigations suggest that some animals may have been taken from the wild rather than rescued from captivity.
Allegations Against Vantara Private Zoo
Wild-Caught Animals Instead of Rescued Ones?
A report published on March 13, 2025, by Süddeutsche Zeitung (SZ), in collaboration with Venezuelan media outlet Armando Info, claims:
Vantara has over 39,000 animals, many acquired in the last year.
Animals were imported from 32 countries through 53 exporters.
Many animals were sourced from wildlife-rich regions like Venezuela, Congo, and Indonesia, which are known hotspots for illegal wildlife trade.
Some species at Vantara include
181 lions
200+ leopards and elephants
Rare species such as mountain gorillas, giant anteaters, and Hamlyn’s monkeys
According to the report, some animals may have been taken directly from the wild, rather than from rescue centers or legal breeding programs.
Who Are the Major Suppliers?
The report highlights that Dubai, UAE, is a major transit hub for trafficked wildlife. It states that:
11,729 animals came from the UAE, including endangered species like orangutans and a mountain gorilla.
The biggest supplier was the Kangaroo Animals Shelter Center in UAE, which reportedly delivers animals exclusively to Vantara.
6,106 animals were imported from Venezuela, including 142 giant anteaters and 101 giant otters.
1,770 animals arrived from the Democratic Republic of Congo, including 100 Hamlyn’s monkeys.
Why Are These Allegations Serious?
Many of these wild-caught species are protected under international laws like the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).
If animals were taken directly from the wild, it could violate wildlife protection laws in multiple countries.
Experts say CITES permits alone cannot confirm if an animal was captive-bred or wild-caught, making it difficult to verify the legality of some transfers.
Vantara’s Response: ‘Baseless and Misleading’
Vantara has denied all allegations, stating that
All animals at Vantara were legally acquired.
The zoo only accepts captive-bred animals, with proper CITES permits.
Legal action has been initiated against the German publication for spreading false information.
Vantara works closely with authorities to combat illegal wildlife trade and follows all Indian and international regulations.
The zoo also questioned the accuracy of the report, saying
“Questioning CITES permits casts doubt on both the issuing country and the CITES Secretariat itself. These allegations are purely speculative and misleading.”
Are the Numbers Accurate?
Vantara argues that the report’s claim of 39,000 animals is exaggerated. According to its official 2023-24 report, the center houses:
10,360 animals
345 species
The zoo also refuted claims of 100 Hamlyn’s monkeys, saying it does not “stockpile” animals and ensures each species receives proper care.
Conclusion: The Debate Over Private Zoos Continues
The controversy surrounding Vantara Private Zoo highlights the complex ethical and environmental concerns linked to private wildlife conservation.
If the allegations are true, Vantara could be fueling the illegal wildlife trade.
If the zoo’s claims are accurate, it could be a victim of misinformation.
As the legal battle unfolds, this case raises important questions about wildlife protection, conservation ethics, and the role of private zoos in India.
