India’s supreme court has ordered an investigation into Vantara, a vast private zoo and animal rescue facility run by Anant Ambani, the son of Asia’s richest man, following allegations of illegal wildlife imports and financial misconduct.
Located in Gujarat state and spread across 3,000 acres next to a Reliance Industries oil refinery, Vantara claims to be the world’s largest wild animal rescue centre. It is home to an estimated 200 lions, 250 leopards, 900 crocodiles and tens of thousands of other animals.
The court announced on Monday that a panel led by retired judges will examine the alleged unlawful acquisition of animals, particularly elephants, possible breaches of wildlife regulations, and suspected money laundering. The panel has been asked to submit its findings by 12 September.
“We consider it appropriate … to call for an independent factual appraisal,” the court said, adding that investigators would also look into concerns about Gujarat’s climate, animal welfare, and whether the zoo amounted to a “vanity or private collection”.
Vantara, which was one of the venues for Anant Ambani’s lavish wedding celebrations last year, has drawn criticism from wildlife groups over the treatment of its reported 150,000 animals. The facility is not open to the public.
A joint investigation earlier this year by Süddeutsche Zeitung and Venezuelan outlet Armando Info revealed that at least 39,000 wild animals had been sent to Vantara. Records showed that 14 orangutans and a mountain gorilla arrived from the United Arab Emirates, while more than 100 giant otters and 142 giant anteaters came from Venezuela. Other imports included 481 green tree pythons and 520 hawk doves from Malaysia and Indonesia.
In a statement on Tuesday, Vantara said it would fully cooperate with the inquiry and remained committed to “transparency, compassion and full compliance with the law”.
Prime minister Narendra Modi previously visited the facility, praising it as “truly commendable”. It has also featured prominently on the YouTube channel of American wildlife influencer Forrest Galante, showcasing amenities such as an elephant jacuzzi and what it calls the world’s largest leopard rescue centre.
