Project Vantara, Led by Son of Asia’s Richest Person, Thrust Into Supreme Court Spotlight

The Indian Supreme Court has directed a special team led by a retired judge to investigate allegations surrounding Vantara, a vast zoo and rescue center in Jamnagar, Gujarat, associated with Anant Ambani, son of billionaire Mukesh Ambani. The court’s order follows petitions from wildlife organizations and reports in Indian and international media.

The panel will examine claims of illegal animal transfers, assess whether Gujarat’s climate is suitable for the species housed there, and review concerns that the collection may serve more as a display of personal prestige than a conservation initiative.

According to the Central Zoo Authority, the facility houses more than 200 elephants along with hundreds of big cats, crocodiles, and other rare species. Conservationists have criticized its proximity to an oil refinery and the absence of a clear plan to reintroduce animals into the wild.

International attention grew after German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung reported that nearly 39,000 animals were imported into India in 2024, including species from the Democratic Republic of Congo, the UAE, and Venezuela. Campaigners have questioned whether some of these imports may be linked to private facilities. Vantara’s management says elephants were transported domestically in special trucks and that it will fully cooperate with the inquiry, stressing its focus on rescue, rehabilitation, and care.

The Jamnagar complex, which includes Vantara, has hosted high‑profile events, including parts of Anant Ambani’s wedding celebrations in 2024 that featured performances by Rihanna, Justin Bieber, and Katy Perry. The site has drawn significant public attention, and the court’s intervention ensures closer scrutiny of whether such private mega‑projects align with wildlife conservation goals.