The Supreme Court of India ordered an investigation into a wildlife rescue center led by the philanthropic arm of the Mikesh Ambani billionaire group, although he said that the evidence did not support the accusations of acquisitions and abuse of illegal animals.
Vantara is a marquee project of the Reliance Foundation and the Ambani family. Located in the state of western Gujarat and led by the son of the billionaire, Anant Ambani, has rescued and treated thousands of animals, and built the largest elephant hospital.
It was also one of the places for the celebrations prior to Anant’s wedding last year, with the global celebrities who attended they advised to put attire of “jungle fever” when they visit Vantara.
The Supreme Court ordered an investigation on Monday, since it ruled litigation of public interest that referred to the complaints of the non -profit and wildlife groups that allege the abuse of animals in Vantara and questioned how animals ended up in the rescue center. They also alleged that the central authority of the zoo, the regulatory agency, failed in their duties.
In a written order, the court said that although there was no evidence to support the accusations, an independent investigation was needed because the alleged requests were not willing to fulfill their duties.
“We consider that it is appropriate in the purposes of justice to request an independent objective evaluation,” said the court in order.
In a statement, said a spokesman for Vantara Reuters Remains committed to transparency and legal compliance. Vantara added that he would cooperate completely with the research panel, and his “mission and approach continue to be the rescue, rehabilitation and care of animals.”
The Central Zoo authority did not immediately respond to a request for comments.
The panel will be led by a former judge of the Supreme Court and will present a report on the acquisition of animals, particularly elephants, will analyze complaints about the creation of a vanity or private collection of wildlife, as well as verify compliance with the Law on the Protection of Silvestre Life of India.
The panel must submit a report to the court before September 12.
Located in Jamnagar, Gujarat, Vantara is home to more than 150,000 animals in more than 2,000 species. It also has a 998 Acres Elephant Welfare Trust, which says it is the largest center of attention in the world for rescued elephants.
This month, local communities in the neighboring state of Maharashtra organized protests against the relocation of a 36 -year -old elephant who was not right to Vantara, arguing that the animal had been part of its spiritual life, including processions, for decades.
Reliance has recognized the “deep religious and cultural importance” of the elephant, but says he was following the directive of a court with relocation.
In March, Prime Minister Narendra Modi toured Vantara and said “provides a safe refuge for animals while promoting ecological sustainability and welfare of wildlife.”
Anant is also Executive Director of the Petroleum conglomerate to Rebuencence Industries, and participates in his technology and telecommunications business, Jio Platforms.
In multimedia tours last year, Anant showed the big kitchens in the elephant facilities, where dishes such as juice and sweets for animals were prepared, and corn popcorn were served as a “gift”.
