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A special investigation team, constituted by India’s Supreme Court, has concluded that the acquisition of animals at Vantara – a private zoo owned by Anant Ambani, son of Indian businessman Mukesh Ambani – adhered to all applicable laws.
The panel of retired justices was established last month to investigate allegations of unlawful animal acquisition and mistreatment at Vantara. In a statement released Monday, the team reported finding “no foul play” in the zoo’s operational management.
The Supreme Court had previously indicated that the allegations appeared to lack substantiation. However, the court mandated an inquiry following concerns that authorities had not adequately investigated the zoo.
In response to the findings, Vantara stated that the investigation clarified that “the doubts and allegations… were without any basis.”
Vantara houses approximately 2,000 animals, including elephants, tigers, and various other species.
Spanning 3,500 acres, the facility is located in Jamnagar, within the state of Gujarat, situated near Mukesh Ambani’s oil refinery – recognized as the world’s largest.
The zoo was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March of this year and served as one of the venues for Anant Ambani’s pre-wedding festivities, which garnered international attention last year.
As a private facility closed to the public, Vantara has faced criticism from wildlife advocates and conservationists, citing concerns such as the suitability of the region’s climate for certain animal species.
The sanctuary was also the focus of protests in Maharashtra after an ailing elephant from a temple in Kolhapur was relocated to Vantara in July following a high court order.
On Tuesday, the court dismissed the application challenging the elephant’s transfer, citing the independent inquiry that had already cleared authorities of any wrongdoing.
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