South African Organization Raises Alarm Over Large-Scale Wildlife Exports to Vantara

A South African wildlife protection organization has voiced serious concerns over the massive export of wild animals, including leopards, cheetahs, tigers, and lions, to Vantara—officially known as the Greens Zoological, Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (GZRRC) in Jamnagar, Gujarat.

The Wildlife Animal Protection Forum of South Africa (WAPFSA), a coalition advocating for animal welfare, has called for an independent scientific investigation to ensure the well-being and ethical treatment of the animals exported to the facility.

Concerns Over the Suitability of Vantara’s Location

Vantara, a 3,000-acre private zoo, was officially launched by Anant Ambani, son of industrialist Mukesh Ambani, on February 26, 2024. The facility was recently inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 3, coinciding with World Wildlife Day.

However, experts have questioned the suitability of Gujarat’s climate for many of the species housed at Vantara. Given that Gujarat experiences higher temperatures than many regions of India and Africa, there are concerns about the potential impact on the health and well-being of these animals.

WAPFSA raised these concerns in a letter dated March 6, addressed to key governmental bodies, including:

• Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE)

• South African CITES Management Authority

• Chair of the Scientific Authority South Africa, Ms. T. Frantz

• CITES Secretariat

Mass Export of Cheetahs and Other Wildlife Raises Questions

According to the GZRRC 2023/2024 Annual Report, a staggering 56 cheetahs were exported from South Africa to Vantara.

WAPFSA has questioned the origins of these cheetahs, stating:

“We have raised all the necessary concerns and arguments about the lack of non-detrimental findings regarding the twelve cheetahs previously exported to India. We now question where the additional 56 cheetahs were sourced from within South Africa.”

The report also revealed that a wide range of species was sent to Vantara, including:

• Aardvark – 4

• Cheetah – 56

• Caracal – 52

• Jaguar – 6

• Leopard – 19

• Lion – 70

• African Wild Dog – 20

• Eland – 20

• Marmoset – 10

• Tiger – 60

• Banded Mongoose – 30

• Ring-Tailed Lemur – 40

Additionally, other species such as Nyala, sable antelope, warthog, wildebeest, spotted hyena, and springbok were also included in the exports.

Concerns Over Captivity and Breeding Programs

WAPFSA has expressed deep concern over reports that lions and tigers were sourced from commercial breeding facilities in South Africa before being transferred to Vantara.

While reports indicate that their living conditions at Vantara may have improved, WAPFSA argues that this does not justify their transfer if they are ultimately used for breeding and commercial purposes.

In their letter, the organization warned:

“These animals will now be transformed into breeding machines, exploited within the numerous animal breeding facilities (nurseries) located outside the main zoo.”

The organization has demanded an independent investigation to verify the fate of these animals and whether they are being used for commercial breeding programs under the pretext of conservation.