Vantara Private Zoo: Anant Ambani’s Conservation Effort Faces Controversy
Vantara Private Zoo: owned by Anant Ambani, has become the center of global debate. While it is presented as a wildlife rescue and conservation project, many experts are questioning its purpose, transparency, and the way it acquires animals. Some believe Vantara is an innovative approach to wildlife protection, while others suspect it may be fueling the global wildlife trade.
This controversy gained momentum after a March 13, 2025 report by German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung (SZ), which raised concerns about the sourcing of thousands of animals. Anant Ambani, however, has not clearly explained why Vantara is operating differently from traditional conservation efforts.
What is Vantara Private Zoo?
Vantara, meaning “Star of the Forest”, is a 5.4-square-mile sanctuary located near Jamnagar, Gujarat. It is a private non-profit conservation project and is not yet open to the public. Vantara is managed by Greens Zoological Rescue & Rehabilitation Center and the Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust, both of which are Ambani family charities.
Reports suggest that a second Vantara facility is being developed in Kaziranga, Assam.
Why is Vantara Private Zoo Under Scrutiny?
Allegations of Illegal Wildlife Trade
According to the SZ report, Vantara has:
Imported over 39,000 animals in less than a year.
Acquired animals from 32 countries through 53 exporters.
Received many endangered species, including chimpanzees, orangutans, mountain gorillas, and rare primates.
Imported animals from hotspots of illegal wildlife trade, such as Venezuela, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Indonesia.
Critics worry that some of these animals might have been captured from the wild instead of being rescued.
Suspicion Over Animal Suppliers
The report claims that Vantara’s biggest animal supplier is the UAE-based Kangaroo Animals Shelter Center. This organization has reportedly only supplied animals to Vantara. Dubai, a known hub for wildlife trade, has been linked to animal trafficking from Africa, Asia, and South America.
Some key findings include
11,729 animals were imported from the UAE, including 41 chimpanzees, 14 orangutans, and a rare mountain gorilla.
6,106 animals came from Venezuela, including 142 giant anteaters and 101 giant otters.
1,770 animals arrived from the Democratic Republic of Congo, including 100 rare Hamlyn’s monkeys.
Lack of Transparency in Conservation Efforts
Conservation experts argue that traditional zoos follow strict breeding programs, but Vantara has not joined international zoo associations like EAZA (European Association of Zoos & Aquariums) or WAZA (World Association of Zoos & Aquariums).
Vantara is not a typical zoo and does not allow public visitors, making it harder to monitor how animals are acquired and cared for.
Vantara’s Response: ‘Baseless and Misleading’
Vantara has denied all allegations, stating that:
All animals were legally acquired with proper CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) permits.
The zoo only takes in captive-bred or rescued animals from other zoological institutions.
Legal action is being taken against publications spreading false claims.
The zoo collaborates with authorities to combat illegal wildlife trade.
Vantara also questioned the credibility of the SZ report, stating:
"Questioning CITES permits casts doubt on both the issuing countries and international authorities. The allegations are purely speculative."
Is Vantara’s Model of Conservation Different?
While critics claim that Vantara’s animal acquisition process is suspicious, some conservationists believe it may be trying to rescue animals from the illegal wildlife trade.
The "buy-out" model—where a facility purchases animals from wildlife traffickers to prevent them from being exploited—has been used before but has a history of failures. However, some organizations, like Wildlife SOS in India and Four Paws in Austria, have successfully used this approach.
The biggest question remains
Is Vantara secretly supporting illegal wildlife trade?
Or is it trying to shut down traffickers by giving rescued animals a safe home?
Conclusion: A Need for Transparency
Vantara Private Zoo is unlike any other conservation project in India. It has massive resources, thousands of animals, and operates privately under Anant Ambani’s vision. However, the lack of transparency about where these animals come from and how they are cared for raises ethical concerns.
For Vantara to gain international trust, it must
Provide clear records of its animal acquisitions.
Join international conservation groups to ensure ethical practices.
Allow independent audits to verify its claims.
Until then, the debate over whether Vantara is a wildlife sanctuary or a private collection of exotic animals will continue.
