The supreme court ordered a panel led by retired judges to investigate alleged unlawful acquisition of animals, particularly elephants, violations of wildlife regulations, and money laundering at Vantara. Vantara is described as a large wild animal rescue centre run by Anant Ambani, son of Mukesh Ambani. The Gujarat site reportedly houses hundreds of elephants, large numbers of big cats, bears and crocodiles according to the Central Zoo Authority. Wildlife activists say endangered species are kept on baking flatlands near a giant oil refinery without plans for release. Reports state Vantara imported roughly 39,000 animals in 2024 from multiple countries. Vantara said it would extend full cooperation and remains committed to transparency.
India's supreme court has ordered an investigation into allegations of illegal animal imports and financial misconduct at a vast private zoo set up by the son of Asia's richest person. Vantara, which describes itself as the world's biggest wild animal rescue centre, is run by Anant Ambani, a son of Mukesh Ambani, the billionaire head of the conglomerate Reliance Industries.
The site in the western state of Gujarat is home to more than 200 elephants, as well as 50 bears, 160 tigers, 200 lions, 250 leopards and 900 crocodiles, among other animals, according to India's Central Zoo Authority. Wildlife activists have criticised the facility, saying it is housing endangered species on baking flatlands next to a giant oil refinery complex without any plan to return them to the wild.
We consider it appropriate ... to call for an independent factual appraisal, the court said. It added that the team would also assess whether Gujarat's harsh climate was unsuitable for the animals, and complaints regarding creation of a vanity or private collection. The court said it issued the order after petitions based on media reports and complaints by wildlife organisations.
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