A United Nations wildlife trade committee has reversed an earlier recommendation that India halt imports of endangered animals, following broad support from multiple countries to withdraw what they said was a premature and overly stringent measure. The decision comes amid global scrutiny of Vantara— the 3,500-acre private zoo and rescue facility in Gujarat backed by billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s family.
Vantara, operated by the philanthropic arm of Reliance Industries, had come under fire earlier this year after several wildlife groups alleged irregularities in the way some exotic species were imported. Concerns raised by Germany and the European Union prompted a review by the Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the global watchdog that regulates trade in endangered wildlife.
Following a visit to the zoo in September, the CITES Secretariat issued a report urging India to stop issuing import permits due to discrepancies in export-import records and what it deemed inadequate verification of animal origins. That recommendation, however, drew pushback from India and several major nations—including the United States, Japan and Brazil—during a meeting in Uzbekistan livestreamed on Sunday.
“The measure appears premature, and there is insufficient evidence of illegal imports,” several delegates argued. With support lacking, CITES Standing Committee Chair Naimah Aziz announced the recommendation would be withdrawn, though members may revisit concerns and consider regulatory steps in the future.
India, which has consistently opposed the call for restrictions, reaffirmed its commitment to CITES rules. Vantara, which says it operates transparently and within the law, did not immediately comment following the decision.
The expansive Vantara facility houses roughly 2,000 species, including animals imported from South Africa, Venezuela and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Its collection includes tigers, giraffes, snakes, tortoises and rare spiny-tailed lizards.
Despite the reversal, some countries and conservation groups continued to voice concerns. Belgium and the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance urged a suspension of wildlife exports to India until all issues raised by the Secretariat are resolved. Their stance echoes European Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall’s statement in August that EU states would closely scrutinise any export requests to India and Vantara.
In September, a Supreme Court-appointed committee in India cleared the facility of any wrongdoing, and local authorities have maintained that Vantara is compliant with all laws.