India's Supreme Court has ordered an investigation into allegations of illegal animal imports and financial misconduct at a vast private zoo set up by the son of Asia's richest person.
Vantara, which describes itself as the “world's biggest wild animal rescue centre”, is run by Anant Ambani, son of Mukesh Ambani, the billionaire head of the multinational conglomerate Reliance Industries.
The site in the western state of Gujarat is home to more than 200 elephants, as well as 50 bears, 160 tigers, 200 lions, 250 leopards and 900 crocodiles, among other animals, India's Central Zoo Authority said.
Wildlife activists have criticised the site, saying it is housing endangered species on baking flatlands next to a giant oil refinery without any plan to return them to the wild.
On Monday, India's Supreme Court said it ordered a panel led by retired judges to investigate alleged unlawful acquisition of animals – particularly elephants – other breaches of wildlife regulations, and money laundering. “We consider it appropriate … to call for an independent factual appraisal,” the court said.
It added that the team will assess whether Gujarat's harsh climate is unsuitable for the animals and will also look into “complaints regarding creation of a vanity or private collection”.
The court said it issued the order after petitions based on media reports and complaints by wildlife organisations.
In March, the German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung reported that Vantara imported about 39,000 animals in 2024, including from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Venezuela.
Dozens of the facility's elephants were transported there in specially adapted lorries thousands of kilometres from across India, according to the zoo.
Vantara said it would extend “full co-operation” to the investigation team and “remains committed to transparency, compassion and full compliance with the law”.
“Our mission and focus continues to be the rescue, rehabilitation and care of animals,” it said in a statement.
The zoo was among the many venues for Anant Ambani's lavish multi-day wedding celebrations in 2024, which set a new benchmark in matrimonial extravagance with private performances by pop stars Rihanna, Justin Bieber and Katy Perry.
