Vantara zoo, which calls itself the world’s largest animal rescue centre, has announced a major reset under the former head of a global wildlife watchdog following sharp criticism of its operations.
The overhaul follows concerns about its rapid acquisition of animals from around the world and questions about procedures for approving imports of protected species. Founded by Anant Ambani, son of billionaire tycoon Mukesh Ambani, Vantara will shift away from importing animals and towards supporting conservation in their countries of origin, said John Scanlon, who was appointed on Thursday (August 21, 2026).
Globally, it said it would focus on “strengthening rescue centres, veterinary hospitals and conservation programmes in range states, rather than relocating animals”. “Ultimately, we want to be judged not by how many animals come to Vantara, but by how many animals are helped where they belong, the species recovered in the wild, the people trained, the countries supported and the science and expertise we are able to share,” he added.
Mr. Experts have repeatedly raised concerns over Vantara’s vast animal intake, including the import of critically endangered and rare species. Vantara also pledged to support local conservation in India, including state forest departments, rescue centres, breeding programmes and zoo modernisation.
Scanlon, who headed the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) from 2010 to 2018, will chair the centre’s newly created governing council, with authority over decisions on animal acquisitions. The sprawling 3,500-acre (1,416-hectare) wildlife facility at Jamnagar, in Gujarat, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2025 , housing endangered species on baking hot lands next to a giant oil refinery complex.
