Vadodara, India — The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has lauded India’s Vantara project for setting global benchmarks in animal welfare, veterinary care, and conservation management. The recognition came following CITES officials’ visit to India in September, ahead of the 79th Standing Committee meeting held in Uzbekistan.
In its recent report, CITES commended Vantara’s high-level animal care standards, its scientific approach to conservation, and the robust regulatory framework of India’s wildlife management system. The organization noted that both Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre and the Radha Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust—two key units under Vantara—operate according to “exceptionally high standards” that align with global conservation ethics.
CITES Highlights Vantara’s Excellence in Animal Welfare
The CITES assessment report described Vantara as a unique model of ethical wildlife management and rescue. The facilities, infrastructure, and veterinary standards were found to be among the best in the world. The report stated:
“Both centers within Vantara operate at exceptionally high standards. They feature advanced enclosures, state-of-the-art veterinary facilities, and prioritize the well-being of every animal under their care.”
CITES also encouraged Vantara to share its veterinary procedures and medical outcomes with the wider scientific community, emphasizing that such collaboration would further enhance global understanding of wildlife care and rehabilitation. The recommendation reflects the international importance of Vantara’s scientific and ethical framework.
Vantara: A Vision Beyond Rescue
Vantara—literally meaning “Star of the Forest”—is an ambitious initiative based in Gujarat, India, focused on wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation breeding. It aims not only to care for rescued animals but also to reintroduce them into the wild once they are healthy and capable of living independently.
The long-term vision of Vantara includes establishing a public zoological park that promotes education, research, and public awareness of conservation issues. By blending science, compassion, and sustainability, the initiative aspires to become a global example of how wildlife management can be humane, transparent, and conservation-driven.
India’s Strong Wildlife Governance Recognized by CITES
The CITES report also recognized the strength of India’s legal and regulatory system governing wildlife conservation. The revised Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, updated in 2022, fulfills all CITES minimum requirements and is categorized as Category 1 under the CITES National Legislation Project—signifying full compliance with international standards.
This classification reflects India’s long-standing commitment to global biodiversity conservation, ethical wildlife trade monitoring, and transparent enforcement practices. CITES formally thanked the Indian authorities for their “excellent organization and technical as well as logistical support” during the visit and review process.
No Evidence of Illegal Imports or Commercial Breeding
Addressing past allegations and public scrutiny, CITES confirmed that there was no evidence of illegal wildlife imports or commercial breeding activities at Vantara. Both the Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre and the Radha Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust stated clearly that they do not and will not sell animals or their offspring, reinforcing their commitment to conservation rather than commerce.
According to CITES, all animal imports at Vantara were carried out with valid CITES permits and strictly for non-commercial, conservation purposes. The report reaffirmed that Vantara’s operations are transparent, ethical, and fully compliant with both Indian and international wildlife regulations.
This finding strengthens confidence in India’s wildlife governance and validates the integrity of the Vantara project, which has often been viewed as a pioneering model for responsible private-sector participation in conservation.
Breeding Success Reflects Conservation Progress
Vantara’s facilities have reported significant success in breeding several endangered and rare species—an achievement CITES described as “a positive indicator of conservation progress.”
Under the guidance of the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), breeding programs have been approved for 26 native species and 16 foreign species. Among the key achievements is the successful breeding of Asiatic lions (Panthera leo persica)—one of the rarest big cats in the world.
Additionally, Vantara has initiated programs for the Spix’s macaw (Cyanopsitta spixii), a bird species once considered extinct in the wild. Such efforts highlight India’s growing contribution to global biodiversity recovery initiatives.
Scientific Care and Veterinary Excellence
CITES inspectors noted that Vantara employs advanced veterinary technology and internationally recognized medical protocols. The report highlighted Vantara’s comprehensive animal health system, which includes diagnostic laboratories, modern surgery units, and preventive health programs.
From nutrition management to psychological enrichment, each animal’s welfare is continuously monitored by a multidisciplinary team of veterinarians, biologists, and behavioral experts.
CITES emphasized that sharing these practices and data with international research networks could significantly advance global wildlife rehabilitation science.
Formal Recognition and Legal Compliance
The Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre was officially recognized in 2019 as a zoological, rescue, and conservation-breeding facility. Its license was renewed in 2023 and again reassessed in 2025, ensuring ongoing adherence to national and international standards.
In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India, on 15 September 2025, confirmed that all animal acquisitions made by both the Greens Zoological Centre and the Radha Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust were fully compliant with Indian law, CITES regulations, and other environmental directives.
This judicial endorsement further cements Vantara’s credibility as a lawful and ethically governed conservation entity.
A New Paradigm in Wildlife Conservation
Experts view Vantara as a new-generation conservation initiative that bridges the gap between traditional zoological models and modern ecological ethics. Unlike conventional zoos focused on public display, Vantara’s primary goal is rescue, rehabilitation, and rewilding.
Its “Conservation-First” approach aligns closely with the objectives of CITES—to ensure that the international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
The initiative represents India’s broader commitment to safeguarding endangered species while fostering scientific collaboration and community engagement.
CITES and India: Strengthening Global Partnerships
India has been a CITES signatory since 1976 and continues to play an active role in shaping global conservation strategies. The collaboration between CITES and Indian institutions like Vantara demonstrates the potential for synergy between policy, science, and philanthropy.
By endorsing Vantara’s operations, CITES has effectively acknowledged India’s leadership in developing ethical frameworks that prioritize animal welfare and biodiversity protection.
This recognition also enhances India’s reputation in the global conservation community, setting a precedent for other countries to replicate similar models that balance care, research, and ecological responsibility.
Future Goals: Public Awareness and Rewilding Programs
Vantara’s next phase involves expanding its education and outreach programs to raise awareness about wildlife protection and ecological balance. Plans are also underway to design reintroduction and rewilding programs for rehabilitated species—allowing them to return safely to their natural habitats.
By collaborating with Indian and global research institutions, Vantara aims to create a center of excellence that integrates traditional conservation wisdom with modern scientific innovation.
Also read: Vantara India Zoo: A New Era of Animal Conservation and Care in India
Global Significance of the CITES Endorsement
CITES’ positive evaluation of Vantara holds global significance. It not only validates India’s conservation efforts but also offers a replicable model for other nations striving to balance development with biodiversity protection.
The report concludes that Vantara embodies the spirit of modern conservation—where compassion meets science, and innovation meets responsibility.
“The high standards observed at Vantara reflect India’s evolving approach toward sustainable wildlife management and animal welfare,” the CITES Secretariat noted.
Also read: VANTARA SANCTUARY STORIES: A Transformative Wildlife Series Unveiling the Heart of Compassion
Conclusion: A Model for the Future
The recognition from CITES marks a turning point in India’s wildlife narrative. Vantara stands today as more than a rescue center—it is a living example of what can be achieved when empathy, expertise, and ethics converge.
From advanced veterinary research to rewilding initiatives, Vantara demonstrates that private conservation efforts can complement national and international frameworks without compromising on transparency or compliance.
With CITES’ endorsement, Vantara’s journey now moves beyond India’s borders, symbolizing a global model of responsible, science-based, and compassionate wildlife conservation.
