The Financial Express Deletes Article on Vantara Controversy

In a surprising turn of events, The Financial Express has quietly removed an article critical of Vantara, a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center owned by Anant Ambani, the son of industrialist Mukesh Ambani. While the article has been taken down, the URL (https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/south-african-organisation-raises-alarm-over-export-of-wild-animals-from-south-africa-to-ambanis-vantaranbsp/3773160/) remains unchanged, leaving traces of its original content accessible to those who had previously bookmarked or shared the link.

Wildlife Groups Raise Concerns Over Animal Transfers to Vantara

The now-removed article, originally published under the headline "South African organisation raises alarm over export of wild animals from South Africa to Ambani’s Vantara," highlighted concerns raised by the Wildlife Animal Protection Forum of South Africa (WAPFSA), a coalition of 30 South African organizations. The WAPFSA had written to South Africa’s Environment Minister Dion George, urging an investigation into the export of wild animals, including leopards and tigers, to Vantara. The letter cited concerns over the large-scale export of various species to Vantara, questioning the legitimacy of the transactions under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

The WAPFSA’s letter specifically mentioned the export of 12 cheetahs to India and raised questions about the origin of 56 cheetahs exported from South Africa. The forum expressed concerns that these animals, bred in captivity, could have been traded for commercial purposes, potentially violating CITES regulations.

Vantara’s Role in Wildlife Conservation Under Scrutiny

Vantara, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 3, 2024, on the occasion of World Wildlife Day, has positioned itself as a sanctuary for rescued and rehabilitated animals. However, the WAPFSA’s allegations have cast a shadow over its operations, prompting scrutiny from environmental and animal rights groups.

The removal of the article by The Financial Express has sparked speculation about potential external pressures or editorial decisions. Critics have pointed out that while the content has been altered or removed, the unchanged URL serves as a digital footprint, raising questions about transparency and accountability in media reporting.

Did External Pressure Lead to the Removal of the Vantara Article?

As of now, neither The Financial Express nor representatives of Vantara have issued an official statement regarding the removal of the article. The incident has reignited debates about media independence and the influence of powerful entities on press freedom.

This development comes at a time when Vantara is under increasing scrutiny from international wildlife conservation organizations. The WAPFSA’s concerns, coupled with the mysterious removal of the article, have added fuel to the ongoing controversy surrounding the wildlife center and its operations.

For now, the unchanged URL (https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/south-african-organisation-raises-alarm-over-export-of-wild-animals-from-south-africa-to-ambanis-vantaranbsp/3773160/) stands as a silent reminder of the article that once was, leaving readers to wonder about the story behind its disappearance.