India’s Supreme Court has ordered an independent investigation into Vantara, the high-profile wildlife rescue centre run by the Reliance Foundation and spearheaded by Anant Ambani, son of billionaire Mukesh Ambani.
The court acted after public interest litigations raised allegations of animal mistreatment and questioned how some animals, particularly elephants, were acquired. While the judges said there was no evidence to support claims of illegal acquisitions or abuse, they ordered an inquiry given accusations that regulators had failed to perform their duties.
“We consider it appropriate in the ends of justice to call for an independent factual appraisal,” the court said.
The investigation will be led by a former Supreme Court judge, who will report by September 12. The panel will examine how animals were obtained, compliance with India’s Wildlife Protection Act, and whether the facility risks becoming a private “vanity collection.”
A Vantara spokesperson told Reuters the centre remains committed to “transparency and legal compliance” and will fully cooperate. “Our mission and focus continues to be the rescue, rehabilitation and care of animals,” the statement read.
Based in Jamnagar, Gujarat, Vantara houses more than 150,000 animals from over 2,000 species and operates what it calls the world’s largest elephant hospital and care facility. Earlier this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the centre as a “safe haven for animals” that advances ecological sustainability.
Yet the project has faced controversy. This month, residents in neighbouring Maharashtra protested the relocation of a 36-year-old elephant to Vantara, saying the animal held deep spiritual value in their community’s religious processions. Reliance said it followed a court directive and acknowledged the elephant’s cultural significance.
Anant Ambani, who also serves as an executive director at Reliance Industries, has promoted Vantara as a symbol of ecological stewardship. During media tours last year, he showcased specialized kitchens where elephants were served juices, sweets, and even popcorn as treats.
The investigation now looms over one of the Ambani family’s most prominent philanthropic projects, casting fresh scrutiny on the intersection of wildlife conservation, cultural traditions, and corporate influence.