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The international body that monitors trade in endangered species, CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), has commended India’s robust wildlife protection framework and the exceptional animal care standards at Vantara. A detailed report by the CITES Secretariat — prepared following its September 2025 mission to India — showcases Vantara’s commitment to conservation, transparency, and compliance with global norms. The findings will be presented at the seventy-ninth meeting of the CITES Standing Committee in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The CITES Secretariat visited the Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (GZRRC) and the Radha Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust (RKTEWT), both part of the Vantara initiative. The team concluded that these facilities operate “in accordance with exceptionally high standards,” with advanced veterinary infrastructure, well-designed enclosures, and professional management. The report noted that these institutions not only meet but often exceed international benchmarks for animal welfare. “The Secretariat has no reason to doubt that these facilities are suitably equipped to house and care for the animals, as required under Article III of the Convention in case of animals of Appendix I-listed species. The Secretariat particularly notes that both institutions have developed advanced veterinary procedures and obtained important successes in medical care and treatment of animals which, based on the explanations received, are or should be shared with the scientific community. The Secretariat encourages such sharing of experiences,” The CITES report said. Highlighting India’s scientific and medical leadership in wildlife care, the Secretariat praised the advanced veterinary procedures and treatment successes achieved at these centres. It recommended that the achievements of Vantara’s experts be shared with the wider global community, underlining their international relevance. The centres’ breeding programs — approved by the Central Zoo Authority — were also recognised for significant conservation gains, including the successful breeding of Asiatic lions and ongoing work with the endangered Spix macaw species. The report further emphasised India’s strong legal and institutional foundations in wildlife protection. It acknowledged that India’s Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 — amended in 2022 — meets all CITES requirements and places the country in Category 1 under the National Legislation Project, a designation reserved for nations with fully compliant environmental laws. This recognition reaffirms that India’s legal framework for wildlife conservation stands among the most robust globally. In addition to regulatory compliance, the Secretariat underlined India’s openness and transparency. It thanked the government for its excellent organisation, technical coordination, and logistical support during the mission. Both the Indian CITES authorities and Vantara’s management expressed their willingness to continually improve verification systems, documentation, and institutional capacity to ensure sustained compliance. Supreme Court Affirms Ethical Practices At Vantara The Secretariat also took note of the ethical foundations of Vantara’s operations. It reported that GZRRC and RKTEWT function primarily as rescue and rehabilitation centres and do not engage in the sale or commercial trade of animals or their offspring. Moreover, the Supreme Court of India, in its September 2025 order, confirmed that all animal acquisitions by these institutions were conducted in full accordance with Indian and CITES regulations. Importantly, the CITES mission found no evidence of illegal imports or commercial misuse of wildlife. Vantara’s long-term conservation vision also drew appreciation. Plans for a forthcoming public zoo, along with initiatives for future release and rewilding programs, were seen as forward-looking steps integrating animal welfare, education, and ecological restoration. What Is Vantara? Vantara is an animal welfare and conservation initiative in India established by the Reliance Foundation. It focuses on rescuing, rehabilitating, and providing lifelong care for injured, abused, or endangered animals. Spread across thousands of acres in Jamnagar, Gujarat, Vantara combines world-class veterinary care, naturalistic enclosures, and advanced conservation practices. It also supports global wildlife rescue missions and works closely with national and international bodies to promote ethical wildlife management and biodiversity preservation.
