#Vantara #CITES #WildlifeConservation #AnimalWelfare #IndiaConservation #GlobalConservation #SupremeCourt #Jamnagar #ConservationExcellence
Jamnagar (Gujarat): In a definitive win for India’s wildlife conservation efforts, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has delivered a robust endorsement of the Vantara initiative. At the Twentieth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP20) to CITES in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, the Standing Committee, supported by an overwhelming majority of member nations, confirmed that there are no grounds for pursuing any measures against India regarding animal imports.
This crucial decision serves as a powerful validation of Vantara’s model—a centre dedicated to lawful, transparent, and science-driven wildlife care. It officially reaffirms Vantara’s strict compliance with global norms and its standing as a professionally managed, ethically governed centre for rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation.
International Inspection and Endorsement
The CITES Secretariat, a UN-linked body responsible for global wildlife compliance review, conducted a rigorous two-day mission to Vantara in September 2025. This visit included a detailed inspection of the facility’s enclosures, advanced veterinary systems, comprehensive records, rescue operations, and animal welfare protocols.
In its subsequent report submitted to the Standing Committee on September 30, 2025, the Secretariat made several key findings:
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World-Class Standards: Vantara was recognized as a world-class, welfare-driven institution boasting modern infrastructure, advanced veterinary care, and robust rescue and rehabilitation systems.
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Non-Commercial Purpose: The report affirmed that Vantara’s work is centered on animal welfare and conservation and that the facility does not engage in any form of commercial animal trade.
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Compliance and Transparency: The Secretariat recorded Vantara’s openness, cooperation, and alignment with CITES processes and international compliance standards.
The discussions at the Standing Committee effectively closed the matter, with the global community reaffirming Vantara’s integrity. This outcome actively dispels previous “misplaced narratives circulated in parts of the public and advocacy space,” placing on official record the facility’s adherence to the highest standards of compliance and ethical care.
⚖️ Alignment with Supreme Court SIT Findings
The international findings from CITES seamlessly align with the conclusions of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed by the Supreme Court of India. This SIT was tasked with an extensive scrutiny of every allegation against Vantara across legal, financial, welfare, and CITES parameters.
After a thorough audit, which included document reviews, consultations with national and international authorities, and on-site inspections of the Jamnagar facilities, the SIT delivered an unequivocal conclusion: all complaints and media reports were “unfounded, baseless, and devoid of any factual or legal foundation.”
The national inquiry specifically confirmed:
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Lawful Acquisition: All animals were legally acquired for non-commercial purposes with valid import permits.
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No Irregularities: There was no evidence of wildlife smuggling, money laundering, or financial irregularities.
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Exceeding Standards: The inquiry observed that Vantara not only fully complies with Central Zoo Authority regulations but exceeds them, holds Global Humane Certified™ status, and operates as a genuine, internationally benchmarked rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation centre, not a private collection.
Both the CITES international review and the Indian Supreme Court-mandated national review lead to one clear conclusion: Vantara has operated lawfully, transparently, and with the highest scientific and ethical standards at every stage of its work. The facility continues to demonstrate that world-class wildlife rescue and conservation is being delivered at scale in India.
