Vantara, World’s Largest Animal Rescue Centre, Announces Major Operational Overhaul Amid Scrutiny
JAMNAGAR, India – Vantara, the sprawling 3,500-acre wildlife facility founded by Anant Ambani, has announced a significant strategic pivot following intense international criticism regarding its rapid acquisition of exotic species. The centre, which positions itself as the world’s largest animal rescue operation, is ushering in a new era of governance under the leadership of a veteran global conservationist.
The move comes after years of mounting pressure from wildlife experts and international watchdogs who raised red flags over the facility’s import procedures for protected species. Concerns were repeatedly voiced that the centre’s appetite for rare animals could inadvertently incentivize illegal wildlife trafficking.
A Leadership Reset
On Thursday, Vantara announced that John Scanlon, the former head of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) who served from 2010 to 2018, will chair the centre’s newly established governing council. Scanlon will hold oversight authority regarding all future animal acquisitions, signalling a shift toward rigorous due diligence.
"Vantara has sought, obtained, and acted upon external advice as it takes bold steps to reset its operations," Scanlon stated in a release issued by Reliance Industries. "In making this reset, it has decided to voluntarily strengthen its internal due diligence governance, expertise and processes, and to pivot from ex situ rescue towards providing in situ support to countries."
From Imports to Conservation
The "new chapter" for the Jamnagar-based facility, which houses over 260 Asian elephants alongside tigers, lions, and hundreds of crocodiles, marks a departure from its previous model of relocating animals to India. Vantara has confirmed it will implement a minimum one-year moratorium on all live animal imports, effective until June 2027.
The facility has pledged to withdraw all pending import applications and has filed voluntary commitments with both CITES and the Indian Supreme Court to ensure transparency. Moving forward, the centre intends to shift its resources toward in situ conservation—supporting the health and survival of wildlife within their native habitats.
Global Strategy
The shift follows a recommendation by the CITES Secretariat in 2025, which urged the facility to implement "serious reforms" to avoid becoming a driver for the illegal harvesting of wild animals.
Vantara’s leadership now plans to focus on international partnerships that bolster local infrastructure. Proposed projects include supporting the recovery of the critically endangered Spix’s macaw in Brazil, as well as providing veterinary and technical support in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Indonesia, and Zimbabwe.
"Ultimately, we want to be judged not by how many animals come to Vantara, but by how many animals are helped where they belong," said CEO Vivaan Karani.
As the facility transitions away from its identity as a global collection point, observers will be watching closely to see if this major reset succeeds in transforming Vantara from a controversial mega-zoo into a globally recognized force for conservation science and habitat protection.
