India’s Supreme Court has ordered an investigation into alleged illegal animal imports and financial misconduct at Vantara, a massive private zoo run by Anant Ambani, son of billionaire Mukesh Ambani.
Vantara, promoted as the world’s largest wild animal rescue center, houses thousands of animals, including elephants, tigers, lions and crocodiles, in Gujarat. But wildlife activists have raised concerns over unlawful acquisitions, violations of regulations, and the zoo’s harsh climate conditions.
A panel led by retired judges will now examine the allegations, including claims that elephants were illegally transported and that the facility amounts to a private vanity project. The order follows petitions citing media reports and wildlife complaints.
Vantara said it would cooperate fully, insisting its mission remains animal rescue and rehabilitation. The zoo, which was also a venue for Anant Ambani’s extravagant wedding celebrations in 2024, has faced scrutiny after reports that it imported tens of thousands of animals last year.
Vantara, promoted as the world’s largest wild animal rescue center, houses thousands of animals, including elephants, tigers, lions and crocodiles, in Gujarat. But wildlife activists have raised concerns over unlawful acquisitions, violations of regulations, and the zoo’s harsh climate conditions.
A panel led by retired judges will now examine the allegations, including claims that elephants were illegally transported and that the facility amounts to a private vanity project. The order follows petitions citing media reports and wildlife complaints.
Vantara said it would cooperate fully, insisting its mission remains animal rescue and rehabilitation. The zoo, which was also a venue for Anant Ambani’s extravagant wedding celebrations in 2024, has faced scrutiny after reports that it imported tens of thousands of animals last year.
