NEW DELHI, 3 November, 2025: Vantara, the large animal rescue and conservation sanctuary in Gujarat, India, has recently been in the news for both scrutiny and praise. The international wildlife trade authority, CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), conducted a thorough investigation and praised Vantara for its high standards of animal care, advanced veterinary procedures, and successful conservation breeding programs, including Asiatic lions and endangered Spix macaws.
CITES confirmed no evidence of animals being imported for commercial purposes and found strong compliance with Indian wildlife protection laws. The sanctuary is recognized for its world-class infrastructure and care, operating under the oversight of Indian authorities and with public transparency commitments.
However, earlier reports had raised concerns about irregularities related to the import of animals, prompting India’s Supreme Court to order an inquiry, which later cleared Vantara of legal violations. The CITES Secretariat recommended ongoing improvements in documentation and institutional capacity. The project, led by Anant Ambani (son of Mukesh Ambani), spans over 3,500 acres and houses about 48,000 animals, aiming to be a global leader in conservation and animal welfare.
Additionally, a new wildlife documentary series titled “Vantara: Sanctuary Stories,” hosted by Forrest Galante, is set to premiere on Animal Planet on November 7, 2025, showcasing the sanctuary’s conservation efforts and animal care in detail.
-Inputs from many news sources.
