India to Probe Giant Zoo Run by Son of Asia’s Richest Person
The Supreme Court has ordered an investigation into allegations of misconduct at Vantara, a private zoo owned by Anant Ambani, son of Mukesh Ambani, head of Reliance Industries.
The Indian government has taken action against the vast private zoo, known as Vantara, following accusations of unlawful animal imports and financial misconduct.
This facility is managed by Anant Ambani, who is also the son of Mukesh Ambani, a prominent business figure and the CEO of Reliance Industries.
Situated in Gujarat, this expansive site accommodates over 200 elephants alongside other endangered species such as bears, tigers, lions, leopards, and crocodiles, totaling approximately 900 animals according to sources from India's Central Zoo Authority.
Critics argue that housing these endangered animals on flatlands adjacent to an oil refinery complex is concerning due to the lack of plans to rehabilitate them back into their natural habitats.
The Supreme Court recently announced its decision to establish a panel comprising retired judges to investigate violations in animal acquisition, money laundering, and potential environmental unsuitability.
The court's action follows numerous petitions and reports from wildlife organizations that have expressed concerns over these matters.
The zoo, which has been under scrutiny for recent allegations of importing thousands of animals including from the Democratic Republic of Congo, UAE, and Venezuela last year, is now set to face an in-depth factual investigation.
In response to these developments, Vantara released a statement affirming their commitment to compliance with legal standards, emphasizing their mission centered around animal rescue and rehabilitation.
Furthermore, it's noted that the zoo has hosted extravagant wedding celebrations for Anant Ambani in 2024, which included high-profile entertainment events featuring artists such as Rihanna and Justin Bieber.
Despite these recent controversies, no conclusions can be drawn at this stage regarding the legitimacy of these claims or the outcome of the investigation.
This facility is managed by Anant Ambani, who is also the son of Mukesh Ambani, a prominent business figure and the CEO of Reliance Industries.
Situated in Gujarat, this expansive site accommodates over 200 elephants alongside other endangered species such as bears, tigers, lions, leopards, and crocodiles, totaling approximately 900 animals according to sources from India's Central Zoo Authority.
Critics argue that housing these endangered animals on flatlands adjacent to an oil refinery complex is concerning due to the lack of plans to rehabilitate them back into their natural habitats.
The Supreme Court recently announced its decision to establish a panel comprising retired judges to investigate violations in animal acquisition, money laundering, and potential environmental unsuitability.
The court's action follows numerous petitions and reports from wildlife organizations that have expressed concerns over these matters.
The zoo, which has been under scrutiny for recent allegations of importing thousands of animals including from the Democratic Republic of Congo, UAE, and Venezuela last year, is now set to face an in-depth factual investigation.
In response to these developments, Vantara released a statement affirming their commitment to compliance with legal standards, emphasizing their mission centered around animal rescue and rehabilitation.
Furthermore, it's noted that the zoo has hosted extravagant wedding celebrations for Anant Ambani in 2024, which included high-profile entertainment events featuring artists such as Rihanna and Justin Bieber.
Despite these recent controversies, no conclusions can be drawn at this stage regarding the legitimacy of these claims or the outcome of the investigation.
