India’s highest court has directed a probe into allegations of illegal animal imports and financial impropriety at a sprawling private zoo established by the offspring of Asia’s wealthiest individual. Vantara, self-described as the “world’s largest wild animal sanctuary,” is managed by Anant Ambani, the son of Mukesh Ambani, the billionaire chairman of the multinational conglomerate Reliance Industries. Situated in the western state of Gujarat, the facility houses over 200 elephants, 50 bears, 160 tigers, 200 lions, 250 leopards, and 900 crocodiles, among other species, as reported by India’s Central Zoo Authority.
Critics of the wildlife sanctuary have denounced its handling of endangered animals on scorching plains adjacent to a massive oil refinery complex without a plan for their eventual release into the natural habitat. Recently, the Supreme Court of India announced the formation of a panel, led by retired judges, to investigate alleged illicit procurement of animals, particularly elephants, contraventions of wildlife regulations, and money laundering. The court deemed it necessary to conduct an unbiased assessment and evaluate the appropriateness of Gujarat’s harsh climate for the animals, as well as complaints regarding the establishment of a personal or ostentatious collection.
The court’s decision was prompted by petitions stemming from media coverage and grievances raised by wildlife organizations. In a publication by the German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung in March, it was disclosed that Vantara had imported approximately 39,000 animals in 2024, sourced from countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, the United Arab Emirates, and Venezuela. Notably, numerous elephants were transported to the facility in specially equipped vehicles over vast distances within India. Responding to the developments, Vantara expressed its willingness to fully assist the investigating team and reiterated its commitment to transparency, empathy, and adherence to legal norms, emphasizing its core mission of animal rescue, rehabilitation, and care.
The zoo was one of the venues for Anant Ambani’s extravagant multi-day wedding celebrations in 2024, characterized by private performances from renowned musicians like Rihanna, Justin Bieber, and Katy Perry, setting a new standard for matrimonial opulence.