India's Supreme Court ordered an investigation into business dealings tied to Anant Ambani's private zoo, Vantara. The court empaneled ex-judges to examine accusations of illegal acquisition of endangered animals and possible money laundering. Officials estimate the facility houses roughly 200 elephants, 50 bears, 160 tigers, 200 lions, 250 leopards and 900 crocodiles. Critics allege unsafe conditions in Gujarat and claim there is no intention to return animals to the wild. Complaints were filed by non-profit and wildlife groups that also fault the Central Zoo Authority for inadequate oversight. Vantara denies impropriety and says it will cooperate with investigators. The panel must report findings by September 12.
However, critics say it is anything but, claiming that Ambani is holding illegally acquired endangered species in unsafe conditions in the western state of Gujarat and has no intention of ever returning them to the wild. Officials from India's Central Zoo Authority estimate that roughly 200 elephants, 50 bears, 160 tigers, 200 lions, 250 leopards and 900 crocodiles populate the private facility.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday said that ex-judges had been empaneled to look into accusations that Ambani had illegally acquired animals and has been involved in money laundering. In a statement, the court said, "We consider it appropriate to call for an independent, factual appraisal" of the situation. The court added that the judges would also consider "complaints regarding the creation of a vanity or private collection" in Gujarat and whether the region's harsh climate is suitable for such creatures.
Not only do these allege wrongdoing by Ambani, they further claim that the Central Zoo Authorities failed to adequately exercise its oversight duties. Vantara, which denies any impropriety, has said it will fully comply with government investigators, adding that its "mission and focus continues to be the rescue, rehabilitation and care of animals." The investigative panel is scheduled to deliver a report on the veracity of accusations of illegal animal acquisition and compliance with India's Wildlife Protection Act by September 12.
#vantara-private-zoo #illegal-wildlife-acquisition #supreme-court-investigation #animal-welfare-oversight
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