New Delhi: There has been an important shift in how Vantara plans to acquire animals from other countries in the large animal rescue and rehabilitation centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat. In line with the Relience Industries’ commitment, the centre founded by Anant Ambani claims it will now focus more on conserving the animals in their own lands and not on bringing a ton of animals into India.
Why has Vantara announced a reset?
The move follows an increasing number of animals that Vantara had picked up across the globe. There had been concerns regarding issues of sourcing and international approval for the animals’ movement.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the global treaty on international trade in protected wildlife, had previously demanded enhanced regulation of some wildlife imports to India. Thanks to the concerns, animal sourcing and approval went on the priority list of Vantara.
Vantara has always insisted its animals are obtained legally for rescue, rehabilitation and conservation. The Supreme Court had also sought and received the recommendations of a special investigation team that investigated complaints against the centre and its animal acquisitions.
No new live-animal imports for at least a year
One of the new strategies, Vantara has decided to no longer import live animals from other countries for at least 12 months period. The pause started on June 5, the centre announced recently.
Vantara will also adopt a more demanding internal vetting process before it would entertain any future acquisition of animals. Proposals will go through new CITES Due Diligence Committee, an Advisory Board and a Governing Council.
The center has also confirmed that in this period, it will not import highly protected species as listed under CITES Appendix I, such as great apes and big cats. It will also establish new rules regarding the facilities from which animals can be accepted and will not accept animals from the wild.
Focus shifts to conservation at the source
The largest difference is that Vantara aims to enhance conservation efforts in the countries where animals live. The centre does not measure success by the number of animals they have, but rather what they can achieve in terms of wildlife recovery and conservation.
This may involve assisting local conservation efforts, protection and rescue of animals in threatened countries.
The shift is also taking place when import of animals is costlier in India. In February 2026, the government imposed an additional 30% customs duty on imported animals and birds, putting additional pressure on the import of animals.
For Vantara, it’s a more than temporary halt to imports. It is a change from the animals coming to the Jamnagar facility towards its conservation in its natural habitat with a good ban on import in the future.
