The Supreme Court of India on Monday cleared Vantara, a private zoo and wildlife conservation project in Gujarat backed by Reliance Foundation, of allegations that it illegally acquired animals or violated welfare standards.
The Court’s decision followed the submission of a report by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of retired judges, which examined Vantara’s operations with assistance from the Central Zoo Authority, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, CITES Management Authority of India, Central Bureau of Investigation, Enforcement Directorate, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Customs Department and state police agencies.
The SIT said it had found “no foul play” and confirmed that Vantara complied with the Wildlife (Protection) Act, Zoo Rules, Customs Act, FEMA, PMLA, BNSS and the CITES Convention. The Court accepted the findings in full, adding that allegations against the facility were speculative and amounted to an abuse of process.
According to the Court, all animal rescues and transfers were conducted with valid permits and subject to oversight by multiple authorities. It also noted that Vantara’s facilities met or exceeded prescribed welfare and veterinary benchmarks, citing the Global Humane Society’s award of its “Global Humane Certified Seal of Approval.”
The SIT highlighted ongoing programmes such as cheetah breeding, elephant rescues and the reintroduction of the endangered Spix’s Macaw as legitimate conservation efforts based on scientific standards. The panel also pointed out that earlier inquiries and legal petitions against Vantara had ended with similar conclusions of no wrongdoing.
Reliance Foundation, which operates Vantara, has not commented on the Court’s order.
Located on a 3,500-acre site in Jamnagar, Gujarat, Vantara houses more than 2,000 species, including elephants and tigers. It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March 2025 and drew global attention earlier this year as one of the venues for Anant Ambani’s pre-wedding celebrations.
The facility has been criticised by some wildlife activists, who argue the region’s climate is unsuitable for certain animals. In July, protests erupted in Maharashtra after an ailing temple elephant was transferred to Vantara, but the Supreme Court dismissed a petition against the move, saying an independent inquiry had already cleared the relocation.
With the latest ruling, India’s highest court has effectively ended months of speculation surrounding Vantara’s compliance record, underscoring its legal standing and conservation credentials.
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