New Delhi has called on the UN wildlife trade body to avoid imposing restrictions on India’s imports of endangered animals, following allegations surrounding Vantara, the massive 3,500-acre zoo in Gujarat managed by Mukesh Ambani’s philanthropic foundation.
The appeal comes after the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) raised concerns about inconsistencies in trade data and verification of animal origins. Despite the watchdog’s warning, India argued that any punitive action would be “premature and legally unfounded,” asserting that it has already enhanced its zoo inspection and reporting systems.
CITES, which oversees global trade in endangered species, acknowledged that Vantara maintains “exceptionally high standards”, but recommended halting new import permits until India strengthens its regulatory checks. The UN body warned that weak monitoring could allow animals taken from the wild to be falsely labeled as captive-bred.
In its official submission dated November 10, India stated that restricting imports now would effectively create an unlawful suspension of legitimate trade and could disrupt the CITES framework. The government emphasized that the Central Zoo Authority has been directed to ensure stricter due diligence for all future wildlife acquisitions.
Indian authorities, after a Supreme Court-ordered probe, had earlier cleared Vantara of any wrongdoing. The zoo, home to nearly 2,000 species including giraffes, cheetahs, tigers, chimpanzees, and exotic reptiles from countries like South Africa, Venezuela, and the DRC, says all imports were carried out in full compliance with regulations.
The imported wildlife shipments, valued at around $9 million, reportedly covered only freight and insurance costs — not payments for the animals themselves.
As global attention focuses on Ambani’s high-profile zoo project, India stands firm that its wildlife trade practices remain transparent, lawful, and sustainable.
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