India’s Supreme Court has directed an inquiry into business operations linked to Anant Ambani’s vast private zoo project, known as Vantara, located in Gujarat.
Anant, the youngest son of billionaire Mukesh Ambani, has faced mounting criticism from animal rights groups over the facility’s size, species collection, and legal compliance.
Vantara is promoted by the Ambani family’s Reliance Foundation as the world’s largest wildlife rescue and care center.
According to official estimates, it currently houses hundreds of endangered animals, including around 200 elephants, 160 tigers, 200 lions, 250 leopards, 50 bears, and nearly 900 crocodiles.
The foundation says more than 150,000 animals from over 2,000 species live there, with the facility boasting what it describes as the largest elephant care unit globally.
Animal welfare organizations argue that the zoo is more of a private collection than a rescue center.
They allege that many animals were illegally acquired and are being kept in unsuitable conditions, with little evidence of plans to rehabilitate or release them into the wild.
Complaints also claim that India’s Central Zoo Authority failed to enforce proper oversight of the facility.
Responding to these concerns, the Supreme Court announced that a panel of former judges will conduct an independent review.
The panel will examine whether endangered species were unlawfully obtained, if Vantara is operating in compliance with India’s Wildlife Protection Act, and whether Gujarat’s climate is appropriate for such a large range of species.
The court has requested a full report by September 12, 2025.
While rejecting allegations of wrongdoing, Vantara has stated it will cooperate fully with investigators, emphasizing its stated mission of rescue, rehabilitation, and animal care.
The zoo has been praised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who visited earlier this year and described it as a model for ecological sustainability.
However, the controversy comes just months after global attention was drawn to the Ambani family during Anant Ambani’s extravagant wedding celebrations, where Vantara served as one of the event venues.