Controversy Surrounds Vantara: UK Officials Advised Against Ties with High-Profile Indian Sanctuary
The Vantara mega-zoo, a sprawling conservation facility in Gujarat backed by the Reliance Foundation and managed by Anant Ambani, has found itself at the heart of an international controversy. As the UK prepares to chair the 81st CITES Standing Committee meeting in Geneva this November, revelations have emerged regarding attempts to lobby British ministers for a more favorable stance toward the Indian facility, despite ongoing scrutiny over its massive animal imports.
The Scale and Ambition of Vantara
Vantara, which translates to “star of the forest,” is not accessible to the general public. Spanning roughly 3,500 acres near the Ambani family’s oil refining operations, the sanctuary claims to house approximately 150,000 animals, including over 10,000 mammals and 120,000 birds. The facility markets itself as a center for “science-led care,” featuring high-end veterinary diagnostics, including MRI and CT scanners, along with dedicated nutrition and enrichment centers.
While the sanctuary showcases success stories of rehabilitated animals—such as brown bears and crocodiles saved from poor conditions—its rapid expansion has raised significant red flags. Conservationists have repeatedly questioned the logistics and sources behind the swift accumulation of such a vast collection of wildlife.
Legal and Regulatory Scrutiny
The facility has faced intense pressure over the last two years. In 2025, India’s Supreme Court initiated an investigation into alleged financial misconduct and the legality of the sanctuary’s wildlife import operations. Reports from international media outlets, including investigations by Armando Info and Süddeutsche Zeitung, highlighted discrepancies in import data that suggested potential issues with the provenance of some animals. Although the Indian Supreme Court eventually cleared the zoo’s operators of wrongdoing, global concerns persist.
A fact-finding mission conducted by CITES previously warned that the sheer volume of animals entering the facility could inadvertently stimulate demand for illegal wildlife trade. In an effort to address these criticisms, Vantara has since paused animal imports for one year and appointed John Scanlon, a former CITES chief, to oversee its operations and governance.
Lobbying Efforts and UK Diplomacy
With the CITES Standing Committee meeting looming, the spotlight has shifted to the sanctuary’s efforts to influence international policy. Reports indicate that representatives from Vantara, working alongside the US-based lobbyist firm Checkmate Government Relations, attempted to engage with UK officials at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
Throughout 2026, Vantara reportedly extended multiple invitations to high-ranking UK officials, including the former Secretary of State Emma Reynolds and Nature Minister Mary Creagh, to visit the Gujarat site. However, the UK government reportedly advised its ministers and officials to avoid formal engagement with the sanctuary.
One point of particular friction involved a proposed, yet ultimately aborted, plan to import falcons and falcon hybrids from a UK-based breeder to India. While Vantara has denied paying for professional lobbying services, the incident has highlighted the sensitivity of the UK’s position as the chair of the CITES meeting. As international delegates gather in Geneva to discuss the regulation of wildlife trade, the Vantara case serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities involved in balancing private conservation efforts with global environmental compliance.
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