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الوسم: endangered

  • Wildlife Agency Reverses Ban on Animal Imports Post Ambani Zoo Probe

    Wildlife Agency Reverses Ban on Animal Imports Post Ambani Zoo Probe

    A UN wildlife trade organization decided on Sunday not to restrict India from importing endangered animals, after several countries supported reversing an earlier strict recommendation that had caused controversy surrounding the private zoo operated by one of Asia’s wealthiest families.

    Vantara, a 3,500-acre zoo in Gujarat managed by the philanthropic division of the Reliance conglomerate led by Mukesh Ambani and his family, had faced allegations from nonprofit and wildlife groups regarding improper animal imports. This prompted increased scrutiny from Germany and the European Union.

    Following a visit to the facility in September, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) issued a report this month urging India not to issue any further import permits due to discrepancies between export and import data and inadequate checks on some animals’ origins.

    During a Sunday live-streamed meeting in Uzbekistan, the recommendation was overturned after many countries—including India, the United States, Japan, and Brazil—argued that the measure was too early, with some stating there was no solid evidence of illegal imports into India.

    “There doesn’t appear to be enough backing to maintain the recommendation,” said Naimah Aziz, chair of the CITES Standing Committee, adding that the organization might consider additional regulatory actions if needed.

    CITES is an international treaty that oversees trade in endangered plants and animals.

    India had previously opposed the UN’s recommendation.

    Vantara, which previously stated its commitment to transparency and legal compliance, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

    Vantara’s animal collection includes approximately 2,000 species, featuring exotic creatures imported from South Africa, Venezuela, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, such as snakes, tortoises, tigers, giraffes, and spiny-tailed lizards.

    While India’s representative affirmed the country’s dedication to adhering to CITES regulations, Belgium and the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance—among others—on Sunday called for a suspension of animal exports to India until concerns are addressed.

    In September, an investigation appointed by India’s Supreme Court cleared Vantara of any wrongdoing, with the facility asserting that it complies with all applicable laws.

    European Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall noted in August that EU nations would closely monitor any export requests involving India and the facility in question.

  • New Delhi asks UN to allow Ambani zoo’s animal imports

    New Delhi asks UN to allow Ambani zoo’s animal imports

    India has requested that a global wildlife trade organization refrain from restricting its imports of endangered species, emphasizing that it has strengthened its oversight in response to increasing reports of irregular animal shipments to a large private zoo operated by one of Asia’s wealthiest families.

    Vantara, a 3,500-acre zoo in Gujarat managed by the charitable division of a conglomerate led by billionaire Mukesh Ambani and his family, has been accused of improperly importing certain animals. This has led to increased scrutiny from authorities in Germany and the European Union, according to Reuters.

    Investigators appointed by India’s Supreme Court to examine these allegations cleared the sanctuary of any misconduct in September, and Vantara asserts that it complies fully with all relevant regulations.

    Despite this, after visiting the facility in September, the Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) released a report last week urging India to review its procedures. The report highlighted inconsistencies between export and import trade data and warned about insufficient checks on the origins of some animals.

    In response to the report, India argued that imposing restrictions at this point would lack a legal basis and could disrupt the existing CITES framework, labeling the suggested measures as “premature and disproportionate.” The government stated that such actions could effectively suspend or halt lawful imports.

    This official India submission—made before the upcoming CITES meeting this month—has been primarily reported by Reuters and signifies a developing dispute over Vantara’s animal imports.

    CITES is an international treaty that governs the trade of endangered plants and animals, aiming to ensure their conservation. The organization acknowledged last week that Vantara maintains facilities of “exceptionally high standards,” but recommended ceasing new import permits for endangered species until additional safeguards are implemented. It cautioned that without stricter enforcement, wild-caught animals might be misrepresented as captive-bred.

    India responded by asserting that it has enhanced inspection and reporting mechanisms for all recognized zoos and rescue centers, including Vantara, and instructed the Central Zoo Authority to undertake more thorough vetting of future acquisitions.

    Neither CITES nor Vantara responded to Reuters’ inquiries regarding the Indian government’s submissions.

    Vantara claims it is home to around 2,000 species, including imported exotic animals from South Africa, Venezuela, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, such as snakes, tortoises, tigers, cheetahs, giraffes, and chimpanzees. The shipments were declared to be valued at $9 million, reflecting transportation and insurance costs rather than payments for wildlife.

    The recent CITES report noted that many animals originate from established commercial breeding facilities, which typically sell animals bred on-site. India defended its imports, asserting that they were carried out in compliance with existing regulations.