SC orders probe on Anant Ambani's wildlife park over animal mistreatment allegations; Vantara says it will extend full cooperation

The Supreme Court has ordered an investigation into Vantara, a wildlife rescue park run by Reliance Foundation, by forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT), although it said allegations of unlawful animal acquisitions and mistreatment were not supported by evidence.

The panel, comprising Justice Jasti Chelameswar, Justice Raghavendra Chauhan, Hemant Nagrale, and Anish Gupta, will submit a report on the acquisition of animals, particularly elephants, look at complaints regarding creation of a vanity or private collection, as well as check for complianceswith India's Wild Life Protection Act.

The Supreme Court late on Monday ordered an inquiry as it ruled on public interest litigations that referred to complaints by non-profit and wildlife groups alleging mistreatment of animals at Vantara and how they were taken in, and alleging the Central Zoo Authority failed in its duties.


"We consider it appropriate in the ends of justice to call for an independent factual appraisal," the court said in its order.

The top court was hearing two PILs that made allegations of irregularities at Vantara on the basis of reports in the media and social media and diverse complaints from NGOs and wildlife organisations relating to alleged non-compliance of laws and acquisition of animals from India and abroad, particularly elephants.

Vantara responds to SIT probe
“We acknowledge the order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court with utmost regard. Vantara remains committed to transparency, compassion and full compliance with the law,” Vantara said in a statement.

“Our mission and focus continues to be the rescue, rehabilitation and care of animals. We will extend full cooperation to the Special Investigation Team and continue our work sincerely, always placing the welfare of animals at the heart of all our efforts,” it said.

It also urged that the process be allowed to take place without “speculation and in the best interest of the animals we serve”.

Key objectives of the SIT
The SIT shall examine and submit report inter alia on the following:-

(a) acquisition of animals from India and abroad, particularly elephants
(b) compliance of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 and rules for zoos made thereunder
(c) International Convention on Trade of Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES) and compliance with import/export laws and other statutory requirements concerning imports/exports of live animals
(d) compliance with standards of animal husbandry, veterinary care, standards of animal welfare, mortalities and causes thereof
(e) complaints regarding climatic conditions and allegations concerning location near an industrial zone
(f) complaints regarding creation of a vanity or private collection, breeding, conservation programs and use of biodiversity resources
(g) complaints regarding misutilisation of water and carbon credits
(h) complaints regarding allegations of 6 breach of different provisions of law, trade in animals or animal articles, wildlife smuggling etc. as made in the articles/stories/complaints referred to in the petitions as well as generally; (i) complaints regarding issues of financial compliance, money laundering etc.
(j) complaints regarding any other subject, issue or matter germane to the allegations made in these Petitions. 7.

Vanatara is a marquee project of the Ambani family located in Gujarat and led by the billionaire's son, Anant Ambani. Its website says it has rescued and treated thousands of animals, and built the largest elephant hospital.

It was also one of the venues of pre-wedding celebrations of Anant last year, that saw global celebrities in attendance who were advised to don "jungle fever" outfits when visiting the animal rescue centre.

Located in Jamnagar, Gujarat, Vantara is home to more than 150,000 animals across more than 2,000 species. It also has a an elephant welfare trust spread across 998 acres which it says is the world's largest care facility for rescued elephants.