The Supreme Court of India has accepted the conclusions of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by former Justice J. Chelameswar, which has exonerated Vantara after a thorough investigation.
Vantara, a zoological rescue and rehabilitation center envisioned by Anant Ambani in Jamnagar, Gujarat, underwent a review to ensure it complies with both national and international standards for wildlife protection, animal welfare, and conservation.
The SIT, featuring notable figures like Justice Raghavendra Chauhan (ex-Chief Justice of Uttarakhand and Telangana High Courts), Hemant Nagrale, IPS (former Mumbai Police Commissioner), and Anish Gupta, IRS (Additional Commissioner, Customs), conducted a detailed examination of the facility.
Anant Ambani
The investigation’s scope included:
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The acquisition and rehabilitation of animals from India and internationally, focusing on elephants.
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Adherence to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and zoo regulations.
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Compliance with CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).
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Standards of animal husbandry, veterinary care, and welfare practices.
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Mortality assessments and evaluation of climatic conditions.
The SIT report verified that Vantara meets all legal and regulatory standards. The Supreme Court Bench with Justices Pankaj Mithal and Prasanna B. Varale acknowledged the SIT’s report, highlighting the satisfaction of regulatory bodies with Vantara’s operations.
Vantara remains steadfast in its mission of wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation, continuously collaborating with experts and authorities to uphold global best practices in animal care and welfare.
