CITES Vantara Tour: The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has acknowledged India’s growing commitment to wildlife protection, with particular appreciation for the practices and standards observed during its recent CITES Vantara Tour. The Secretariat’s report highlights the country’s progress in animal welfare, infrastructure, and compliance with international conservation norms — all showcased through the exemplary work at Vantara’s Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (GZRRC) and the Radha Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust (RKTEWT).
Global Recognition for India’s Wildlife Model
In its official observations presented at the seventy-ninth meeting of the CITES Standing Committee in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, the Secretariat noted that India’s wildlife facilities demonstrate exceptional alignment with the goals of the Convention. The CITES Vantara Tour served as an in-depth evaluation of India’s wildlife management system, revealing an encouraging balance between compassion, modern science, and regulatory discipline.
The Secretariat emphasized that India’s legal and operational framework — supported by the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and its 2022 amendments — meets the requirements of Category 1 under the National Legislation Project. This category signifies full compatibility with CITES obligations, ensuring that international trade and care of endangered species remain strictly regulated and ethically managed.
Inside the CITES Vantara Tour: Key Highlights
The CITES Vantara Tour focused on two of India’s most advanced wildlife care facilities — GZRRC and RKTEWT, both located within the broader Vantara initiative in Gujarat. Experts from CITES examined the veterinary infrastructure, enclosure designs, animal care procedures, and the rehabilitation processes implemented at these centres.
According to the report, both GZRRC and RKTEWT maintain structured enclosures, specialized veterinary units, and operational systems that reflect CITES’ international protocols, particularly those related to Appendix-listed species governed under Article III of the Convention.
CITES officials praised the centres for adopting science-based rehabilitation practices and for developing a professional culture rooted in empathy, research, and transparency.
Vantara’s Commitment to Conservation and Rehabilitation
The Vantara initiative, established under the philanthropic vision of Reliance Foundation, is widely regarded as one of the world’s largest private, non-commercial wildlife rescue and rehabilitation programs. Spread across thousands of acres in Jamnagar, Gujarat, Vantara serves as a sanctuary and medical haven for animals rescued from captivity, injury, or neglect.
During the CITES Vantara Tour, the Secretariat noted that Vantara’s model integrates long-term care, naturalistic habitats, and scientific veterinary practices. These elements collectively align with international guidelines for animal welfare and biodiversity conservation.
The facilities not only meet Indian and CITES standards but also set new benchmarks in animal welfare management, including habitat design, nutritional science, veterinary care, and behavioural enrichment.
CZA Accreditation and Compliance
The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) of India has formally recognized both the Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre and the Radha Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust.
- GZRRC, first accredited in 2019, underwent further validations in 2023 and 2025, reinforcing its reputation for maintaining global-standard operations.
- RKTEWT, meanwhile, received its official recognition from the CZA in July 2025, marking another milestone in India’s growing network of ethical wildlife sanctuaries.
Both facilities have been instrumental in strengthening India’s compliance with CITES’ conservation and welfare frameworks. Their collaboration with the government and independent conservation scientists highlights India’s proactive approach to sustainable wildlife care.
Focus on Research and Knowledge Sharing
A significant takeaway from the CITES Vantara Tour was the emphasis on knowledge exchange and research dissemination. The Secretariat’s report encouraged India to continue sharing its learnings and data from Vantara’s conservation programs with the global scientific community.
Officials observed that the research and rehabilitation methodologies being developed at Vantara could serve as a valuable reference for other nations managing wildlife rescue and breeding initiatives. This includes studies in animal health monitoring, genetic diversity, and species reintroduction strategies.
Breeding and Conservation Success Stories
One of the most notable aspects of the CITES Vantara Tour was the extensive breeding and rehabilitation programs operating within the centres.
Both GZRRC and RKTEWT house an impressive diversity of species — native and exotic — and run CZA-approved breeding programs. These initiatives are designed not merely for exhibition but for genuine species preservation and rewilding research.
Among the species receiving focused conservation support are:
- Asiatic lions (Panthera leo persica), representing one of the rarest lion subspecies on Earth.
- Spix’s macaw (Cyanopsitta spixii), an iconic parrot species once declared extinct in the wild.
These programs reflect India’s integration of scientific conservation principles with traditional reverence for nature, demonstrating a holistic model that global organizations like CITES have praised.
CITES’ Acknowledgment of India’s Legal and Institutional Framework
Beyond individual facilities, the CITES Secretariat recognized India’s national commitment to environmental governance. The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, strengthened by its 2022 amendments, ensures that the trade, transport, and welfare of protected species comply with both domestic and international law.
India’s Category 1 classification within CITES’ National Legislation Project is a mark of excellence that places the country among global leaders in wildlife regulation. This classification underscores that India’s laws fully satisfy the Convention’s requirements — from documentation and inspection to enforcement and penalties.
The Secretariat also noted the professionalism of the veterinary and management teams at Vantara, describing their operations as “consistent with the objectives of the Convention.”
A Model for Ethical Wildlife Management
The CITES Vantara Tour reinforced a broader message: that ethical, science-driven wildlife care is not limited to state-run institutions. Private, non-commercial initiatives like Vantara can play a vital role in complementing national conservation systems.
By investing in modern facilities, specialized medical care, and sustainable habitat management, Vantara has built a model that other countries can emulate. Its facilities combine traditional compassion for animals with international veterinary science, bridging cultural and scientific values in conservation.
Encouragement for Continued Collaboration
The Secretariat’s report concluded by encouraging India to continue collaborating with international experts, academic researchers, and conservation networks. It highlighted the benefits of joint studies, training programs, and cross-country partnerships to enhance global biodiversity protection.
The findings from the CITES Vantara Tour were viewed as an important case study in how regulatory compliance and compassionate care can coexist. CITES recommended that similar approaches be adopted in regions where wildlife trade and rescue operations are still developing.
Future Outlook: India’s Role in Global Conservation
The international attention received from the CITES Vantara Tour signals India’s emerging leadership in wildlife conservation. By aligning with CITES’ mission and global best practices, India demonstrates how legislative strength, corporate responsibility, and scientific dedication can converge for lasting ecological impact.
Experts believe that the insights gained from Vantara will influence policy discussions in upcoming CITES Standing Committee sessions and encourage other member countries to invest in large-scale rehabilitation programs.
Conclusion
The CITES Secretariat’s acknowledgment of Vantara is more than a commendation — it is a recognition of India’s evolving philosophy of coexistence. As the world grapples with habitat loss, climate change, and species extinction, initiatives like Vantara show that responsible human intervention can restore balance and hope.
The CITES Vantara Tour stands as a reminder that when compassion meets science, conservation becomes not just an obligation but a shared global achievement.
