Animal Rights Coalition Demands Probe Into Vantara Zoo Allegations

A South African animal rights group has urged an investigation into wildlife exports to Vantara, a zoo owned by the Ambani family in India. The group expresses concerns about the legitimacy of these exports, while Vantara denies the allegations, calling them false and taking legal action. The facility, inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi, aims to serve as a wildlife rescue center.

The Wildlife Animal Protection Forum of South Africa, which consists of 30 member organizations, has formally requested an investigation by the South African government into possible wildlife exports to Vantara, a private zoo owned by the Ambani family in India. This inquiry is based on “legitimate concerns” regarding these exports as reported by the Independent.

Vantara, also referred to as the Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, spans 3,000 acres in Gujarat and is operated by Anant Ambani, son of billionaire Mukesh Ambani. It is characterized as a private facility focused on wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.

In response to these allegations, Vantara has labeled the claims made by the South African coalition as “entirely false and baseless,” adding that they have initiated legal action against the allegations. The zoo was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on World Wildlife Day, March 3, 2023, with images of the ceremony widely shared on social media.

The call for investigation by the Wildlife Animal Protection Forum highlights concerns regarding wildlife exports to Vantara. The Ambani family’s facility, while claiming to focus on rehabilitation, faces serious allegations that it has not adequately addressed. Vantara’s strong denial and legal action against the claims demonstrate the active dispute between conservation efforts and private wildlife management.

Original Source: zeenews.india.com