Assam Zoo's Transfer of Seized Exotic Animals to Anant Ambani’s Vantara Raises Serious Concerns

 

 Anant Ambani’s 

The Assam Forest Department is under scrutiny for transferring seized exotic animals from the Assam State Zoo to the Green Zoological, Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (GZRRC), now known as Vantara, in Jamnagar, Gujarat, owned by Anant Ambani, son of Mukesh Ambani.

This controversial transfer has triggered outrage among wildlife activists and conservationists, raising concerns over transparency, legality, and potential links to international wildlife smuggling.

Questionable Transfers: A Pattern of Secrecy and Haste

Assam police and the Forest Department frequently seize exotic wildlife, often from regions like Indonesia, Africa, and Latin America. However, instead of keeping them for rehabilitation or returning them to their natural habitat, these animals are swiftly transferred to Vantara, raising serious suspicions.

According to the 2022-23 annual report of Vantara, a total of 64 animals—including two one-horned rhinos—were transferred from the Assam State Zoo to Anant Ambani’s private facility in 2022 alone.

The list of animals transferred from Assam Zoo to Vantara includes:

• 17 African spurred tortoises
• 2 one-horned rhinos
• Various species of gibbons, macaques, langurs, and monkeys
• Exotic animals like the Meerkat and European Hedgehogs

Wildlife activists have criticized the lack of transparency regarding these transfers, particularly given their extreme speed.

Were Established Protocols Ignored?

Under the Wildlife Protection Act and Central Zoo Authority (CZA) guidelines, any animal exchange must follow strict protocols, including:

• Approval from CZA
• Detailed inspections & health checks
• Adherence to quarantine requirements
• A reciprocal exchange between zoos

However, sources claim none of these were followed. In some cases, the transfer was completed in as little as 19 days, which is highly unusual.

A notable example occurred on October 19, 2022, when Assam police seized 13 exotic animals in the Derby Tea Garden area of Cachar district. These animals were transferred to Vantara within 19 days, bypassing the standard vetting process.

Vantara: A Rehabilitation Center or a Profiteering Enterprise?

While Vantara presents itself as a rescue and rehabilitation center, critics question whether it is actually profiting from exotic wildlife under the guise of conservation.

Some conservationists fear that this practice may legitimize illegal wildlife trade by allowing privately owned zoos to acquire rare animals under the pretext of "rescue."

Call for Investigation: Exposing Potential Wildlife Smuggling Links

Wildlife experts and activists demand a thorough investigation into:

• The legitimacy of these transfers
• Potential involvement of international wildlife trafficking networks
• The role of Assam’s Forest Department and Police in the process

The Assam government must enforce stricter regulations to ensure that seized animals are handled with greater transparency, legal compliance, and focus on their welfare.

Without proper oversight, India risks becoming a hub for exotic wildlife laundering, hidden behind the façade of conservation.