Mongabay · Climate & nature

Vantara Zoo Employs Lobbyists with Pro-Hunting and Trump Administration Ties

India's Vantara zoo has hired lobbyists connected to pro-hunting groups and the Trump administration, sparking conservationist concerns.

Lobbyist Tristan Breijer, with Checkmate Government Relations, has ties to pro-hunting groups and previously represented the European Federation for Hunting and Conservation.

Checkmate's founder, Charles ‘Ches’ McDowell, is a friend of Donald Trump Jr., and the firm also lobbied for Reliance Industries, owned by Vantara founder Anant Ambani's family.

Conservationists question Vantara's motives, given its alleged acquisition of endangered species and its lobbying efforts ahead of a key CITES meeting.

Breijer's work includes promoting sport hunting and trophy hunting advocacy.

Vantara's lobbying occurs as countries prepare for a CITES Standing Committee meeting reviewing India's animal import irregularities.

The zoo also engaged in meetings with EU officials, facilitated by lobbyist firms.

Critics argue that hiring commercial lobbyists is atypical for conservation groups and that funds could be better used for direct conservation.

AI-samenvatting op basis van de bron.