Mongabay · Climate & nature

NGOs Urge Vantara to Permanently Halt Wild Animal Imports

Twenty-seven global wildlife organizations have called on Vantara, a private zoo in India, to permanently cease all wild animal imports. This follows Vantara's announcement of a one-year moratorium amid allegations of illegal wildlife trade and a CITES investigation.

NGOs urge Vantara to address compliance, ensure transparency, and prioritize in-situ conservation. The zoo has faced scrutiny over its import of approximately 60,000 live wild animals.

Vantara's moratorium (until June 2027) includes withdrawing applications and importing only from accredited facilities. A new governing council will oversee future acquisitions.

The moratorium followed investigations alleging illegal acquisitions. A CITES inspection noted irregularities, though Vantara denies wrongdoing.

NGOs fear exemptions could facilitate illegal trade. They warn the temporary ban might lead to trader stockpiling.

Organizations advocate for a permanent ban, with limited exceptions for emergencies. They also seek a stricter definition of 'rescue'.

Transparency is demanded, including a public animal inventory and disclosure of conflicts of interest among oversight bodies.

NGOs urge Vantara to support conservation in native countries, not imports. They also call for protection for civil society reporting issues.

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