Web Desk (MNN); A United Nations body regulating wildlife trade decided on Sunday not to restrict India from importing endangered species, overturning an earlier strict recommendation that had put Asia’s richest family’s private zoo under scrutiny.
The Vantara Zoo, a 3,500-acre facility in Gujarat run by the philanthropic wing of the Reliance Group led by Mukesh Ambani and family, had faced allegations from wildlife and non-profit groups over improper imports. Germany and the European Union had closely monitored the zoo following these allegations.
In September, the Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) inspected Vantara and issued a report this month asking India to halt further import permits, citing discrepancies in trade data and insufficient checks on animal origins.
However, at the CITES meeting in Uzbekistan, streamed live on Sunday, the recommendation was reversed after countries including India, the United States, Japan, and Brazil argued it was premature. Some delegates said there was no evidence of illegal imports into India.
CITES Standing Committee Chair Naimah Aziz told delegates: “There doesn’t seem to be enough support for retaining the recommendation,” while noting further regulatory measures could still be considered.
Vantara Zoo, which houses around 2,000 species including tigers, giraffes, snakes, tortoises, and spiny-tailed lizards from South Africa, Venezuela, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, maintains that it follows all laws and remains committed to transparency.
Belgium and the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance had pushed to suspend exports to India until concerns were addressed, but the Supreme Court-appointed investigation in September cleared Vantara of any wrongdoing.
European Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall had earlier warned EU states to closely monitor export requests involving India and Vantara Zoo.
