A South African animal rights coalition has urged an investigation into purported wildlife exports to Vantara, a zoo owned by the Ambani family. The coalition expressed concerns regarding animal welfare in a letter to Environment Minister Dion George. Vantara has dismissed the allegations as unfounded and has indicated intentions to pursue legal action.
In South Africa, an animal rights coalition has requested the government to investigate purported wildlife exports to Vantara, a private zoo owned by the Ambani family. The Wildlife Animal Protection Forum of South Africa, consisting of 30 organizations, has reached out to Environment Minister Dion George to express their “legitimate concerns” regarding the issue of wildlife exports to India.
Vantara, formally known as the Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, spans 3,000 acres in Gujarat and is managed by Anant Ambani, the son of billionaire Mukesh Ambani. It is characterized as a private facility dedicated to wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. The zoo has refuted the allegations made by the South African coalition, labeling them as “entirely false and baseless,” and has stated that legal action is being pursued against the claims.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the zoo on World Wildlife Day, which took place on 3 March, and the event garnered significant attention on social media as images circulated widely.
The South African animal rights coalition’s call for an investigation into wildlife exports to Vantara reflects deep concerns regarding animal welfare practices. The officials from Vantara have strongly denied the allegations, asserting the baselessness of the claims. This situation underscores the continuous scrutiny of animal conservation efforts globally and the need for transparency in wildlife management.
Original Source: zeenews.india.com
