A private zoo run by the son of Asia’s richest man is being investigated over allegations of animal mistreatment and illegal wildlife imports.
Boasting a reported count of 200 lions, 250 leopards, and 900 crocodiles, Vantara in western Gujarat is dubbed the ‘world’s largest wild animal rescue centre’.
Situated on the grounds of an old oil refinery and spearheaded by billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s son, Anant Ambani, it has provided aid and treatment to a multitude of animals.
Vantara also served as a notable venue for Anant’s pre-wedding festivities last year, where global celebrities attending were encouraged to wear ‘jungle fever’ attire for the event.
India’s Supreme Court on Monday mandated an investigation into claims from NGOs and wildlife organizations about alleged animal abuse at Vantara and raised questions about how the animals arrived there.
They also alleged the Central Zoo Authority, the regulatory agency, failed in its duties.
In its written directive, the court noted that while no evidence confirmed the allegations, an independent inquiry was essential due to claims that authorities were neglecting their responsibilities.
A private zoo managed by the son of Asia’s wealthiest individual is under scrutiny for alleged animal abuse and illegal wildlife imports. Anant Ambani (right) poses with his bride Radhika Merchant (left) at their lavish wedding in Mumbai on July 5. The court, while ordering the investigation, stated there was no proof supporting the zoo’s allegations.
In March, Prime Minister Narendra Modi (pictured) toured Vantara, and said it ‘provides a safe haven for animals while promoting ecological sustainability and wildlife welfare’
Vantara, was also one of the venues for Anant’s pre-wedding celebrations last year, with the global celebrities who attended advised to don ‘jungle fever’ outfits when visiting. Pictured: Anant Ambani gestures on the day of his wedding with Radhika Merchant
‘We consider it appropriate in the ends of justice to call for an independent factual appraisal,’ the court said in its order.
In a statement, a Vantara spokesperson told Reuters it remains committed to transparency and legal compliance.
Vantara added it would cooperate fully with the investigation panel, and its ‘mission and focus continues to be the rescue, rehabilitation and care of animals.’
The Central Zoo Authority did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The panel will be led by a former Supreme Court judge and will submit a report on the acquisition of animals, particularly elephants, look at complaints regarding the creation of a vanity or private collection of wildlife, as well as check for compliance with India’s Wild Life Protection Act.
The panel needs to submit a report to the court by September 12.
Vantara, owned by oil-to-retail conglomerate Reliance Industries, is home to more than 150,000 animals across more than 2,000 species.
It also has an 998 acre (404 hectares) elephant welfare trust, which it says is the world’s largest care facility for rescued elephants.
Home to a reported 200 lions, 250 leopards and 900 crocodiles, Vantara in western Gujarat, state describes itself as the ‘world’s biggest wild animal rescue centre’. Pictured: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits the wildlife rescue center on March 04, 2025
Anant Ambani (L) and Radhika Merchant (R) captured gazes around the world with their extraordinarily opulent £250million nuptials in Mumbai in 2024
Veterinarians of Vantara tend to an injured domestic elephant who was allegedly hit by a speeding vehicle
This month, local communities in neighbouring Maharashtra state staged protests against the relocation of a 36-year-old elephant that was unwell to Vantara, arguing the animal had been part of their spiritual life, including processions, for decades.
Reliance has acknowledged the ‘deep religious and cultural significance’ of the elephant, but says it was following a court’s directive with the relocation.
In March, Prime Minister Narendra Modi toured Vantara, and said it ‘provides a safe haven for animals while promoting ecological sustainability and wildlife welfare.’
Anant Ambani is also an executive director of Reliance Industries, and is involved in its technology and telecoms business, Jio Platforms.
In media tours last year, Anant showed the large kitchens at the facility for elephants, where dishes like juice and sweets were prepared for the animals, and popcorn was served as a ‘treat’.
It comes after Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant captured gazes around the world with their extraordinarily opulent £250million nuptials in Mumbai in 2024.
The remarkable three-day affair saw the rich and famous – including the likes of Kim Kardashian, Boris and Carrie Johnson , and Tony and Cherie Blair – fly into India for the event.
Following the grand affair the couple hosted a two-month after-party at a prestigious country club in Slough.
A source with knowledge of the couple’s plans told The Sun at the time: ‘The Ambanis don’t do things by halves and so thought nothing of booking the entire venue for two months.
‘The cost is chicken feed to them. The bride and groom and family will attend different parties planned between now and September.
‘Security, which is tightened, has been told to expect Boris Johnson and Tony and Cherie Blair. Prince Harry is also said to be hoping to pop in.’
