India’s Supreme Court has ordered an inquiry into Vantara, a sprawling private zoo in Gujarat founded by Anant Ambani, son of Asia’s richest man.
The 3,000-acre facility claims to be the “world’s biggest wild animal rescue centre,” but critics say it’s less about rescue and more about prestige — with more than 150,000 animals housed next to a massive oil refinery owned by the Ambani family.
According to The Guardian, the court ordered a panel of retired judges to investigate allegations of illegal wildlife imports, violations of Conservation laws, and potential money laundering.
The panel will also assess whether Gujarat’s harsh climate is unsuitable for many of the animals, including elephants, lions, leopards, and crocodiles.
The zoo has already faced backlash from wildlife activists, who argue that Vantara lacks any plan to return endangered species to the wild.
Reports suggest that over 39,000 wild animals have been delivered to the facility, including orangutans, giant otters, anteaters, and even a solitary mountain gorilla — a species that normally lives in tightly bonded family groups.
Conservationists fear many of these transfers were made without adequate safeguards for the species involved.
Despite receiving public praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the project has been criticized as a “vanity collection,” especially given its role in Ambani’s lavish 2024 wedding festivities.
The site has even featured luxury amenities such as an elephant jacuzzi, promoted by international influencers on social media.
For environmentalists, the case underscores larger concerns about billionaire-backed Conservation projects.
While marketed as sanctuaries, these private collections often prioritize spectacle over genuine ecological goals, raising questions about animal welfare, transparency, and accountability.
In an era where protecting biodiversity is critical, critics argue resources would be better spent preserving habitats in the wild, not building zoos beside petrochemical complexes.
The investigation could set an important precedent in how India balances wealth, influence, and the urgent need to protect the environment and its endangered species.
This article by Nicholas Vincent was first published by One Green Planet on 1 September 2025. Lead Image Credit: manatus/ShutterstockImage.
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