Vantara Reaffirms Commitment to World-Class Animal Care and Conservation: SIT

NEW DELHI, Sep 17: The Special Investigation Team (SIT), appointed by the Supreme Court, has given a clean chit to Anant Ambani-led Vantara, reaffirming its global standards of animal care, conservation, and habitat management.

The top court, which had ordered the SIT review, accepted the report on Monday, dismissing all allegations regarding Vantara’s operations. The probe covered a wide range of issues including the acquisition of animals from India and abroad, compliance with the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), veterinary standards, and allegations of misuse of water, carbon credits, or financial irregularities.

The SIT found that all acquisitions and transfers, including those of elephants and exotic species, were lawful and fully compliant with regulations. For example, the loan of Spix Macaws to GZRRC was verified as part of an international conservation breeding program in collaboration with Brazilian authorities.

In its statement, Vantara said: “The SIT’s report and the Hon’ble 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 validation of the truth is a blessing, as it allows our work to speak for itself.”

The SIT further confirmed that accusations of financial misconduct, misuse of resources, or creation of a private collection were baseless. It also flagged that repeated speculative complaints amounted to misuse of the legal process.

Vantara’s practices have also been validated by the Global Humane Society, which awarded the sanctuary the Global Humane Certified Seal of Approval after a thorough site inspection.

With these endorsements, Vantara reaffirmed its commitment to setting global benchmarks in animal welfare, ethical conservation, and scientific rehabilitation under the leadership of Anant Ambani.