India’s Supreme Court has given a clean chit to Vantara, the massive wildlife rescue centre operated by billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Foundation and led by his son, Anant Ambani. The court announced Monday that a special investigation team (SIT), appointed in August to look into allegations of animal mistreatment and illegal acquisitions, found no evidence of wrongdoing.
The SIT had been tasked with investigating complaints from wildlife and non-profit groups who had raised concerns over how animals were brought to the centre and alleged cases of neglect. The panel examined a wide range of issues, including animal acquisition procedures, potential smuggling, welfare standards, breeding practices, climate suitability, and even financial conduct.
In its report, the SIT concluded that Vantara had not violated India’s wildlife protection rules.
“The SIT’s report and the honourable Supreme Court’s order have made it clear that the doubts and allegations raised against Vantara’s animal welfare mission were without any basis,” the facility said in a statement after the verdict.
Located in Gujarat, Vantara is considered one of the world’s most ambitious animal rescue and rehabilitation projects. The facility houses over 150,000 animals across more than 2,000 species and includes a 998-acre elephant welfare trust that is touted as the world’s largest care centre for rescued elephants.
The ruling is expected to bolster Vantara’s global reputation as a key conservation initiative and silence critics who had questioned its practices.