Supreme Court of India Clears Vantara of All Allegations, Validates Global Wildlife Care Standards

In a verdict with global implications, the Supreme Court of India has exonerated Vantara, the Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre and Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust of all allegations related to wildlife smuggling, animal welfare violations, and financial improprieties.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by former Supreme Court Justice Jasti Chelameswar, submitted an exhaustive report which formed the basis of the Court’s ruling.

Transparent Animal Acquisitions: The acquisition of all wildlife, including elephants, lions, and chimpanzees, was carried out with valid permits and multi-jurisdictional CITES approvals from countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo, UAE, Indonesia, South Africa, and Venezuela.

High Welfare Standards: Expert assessments confirmed that Vantara’s veterinary care, animal enclosures, and conservation breeding programmes matched or exceeded standards found in the world’s leading zoological institutions.

The SIT concluded that Vantara had adhered to all applicable Indian and international laws, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the Wildlife (Protection) Act, the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, and the Customs Act.

Court Ruling and Key Findings

A Bench comprising Justices Pankaj Mithal and Prasanna B. Varale dismissed all pending petitions and complaints, calling the allegations “unfounded” and “speculative.”

The Court formally closed all cases listed in the SIT’s Schedule A and barred any future proceedings on the same grounds. It also granted Vantara the right to pursue legal action against any defamatory or false reporting.

Legal Compliance

Investigations conducted in cooperation with India’s top enforcement and wildlife agencies found no legal violations.

Global Humane Certification: Independent audits by the Global Humane Society awarded Vantara its prestigious Global Humane Certified Seal of Approval, indicating animal welfare standards above global norms.

The Supreme Court’s decision not only clears Vantara of all wrongdoing but also positions it as a global model in wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation.

In an era of growing ecological threats, the ruling affirms the role of lawful, science-based conservation efforts in protecting endangered species and fostering international cooperation.

Conservation Leadership

The facility is engaged in active breeding of over 40 endangered species. Notably, Vantara has already contributed to India’s rewilding efforts through successful cheetah births.

Global and African Implications

The verdict is especially significant in Africa, where activist groups had questioned some transfers of rescued animals to Vantara. The SIT confirmed that all African-origin animals were relocated legally and ethically, often from facilities under threat of trophy hunting or closure.

For African conservation agencies, the Court’s decision offers reassurance. Vantara was affirmed as a credible conservation partner, with ongoing collaborations involving training, capacity building, and joint species recovery initiatives.