India Investigated Vantara, the Center That Agreed to Modernize Venezuelan Zoos

Vantara, the private wildlife center that signed an agreement with Delcy Rodríguez’s interim government to modernize Venezuela’s zoos, became the subject of an investigation ordered by India’s Supreme Court over possible irregularities.

The court appointed a panel of retired judges to examine alleged illegal acquisitions of animals, particularly elephants, possible breaches of wildlife regulations, and allegations linked to money laundering, The Guardian reported. The inquiry followed a joint investigation by Süddeutsche Zeitung and Venezuelan outlet Armando.info, which found that at least 39,000 wild animals had been moved to Vantara’s facilities in Gujarat, western India.

The documented transfers included animals from Venezuela. More than 100 giant otters and 142 giant anteaters were reportedly imported from the country. The investigation also recorded more than 11,000 animals transferred from the United Arab Emirates, including a mountain gorilla and 14 orangutans, as well as 481 green pythons from Malaysia and 520 doves from Indonesia.

Vantara is run by Anant Ambani, the son of billionaire Mukesh Ambani, who heads the Reliance Industries conglomerate. The complex covers about 3,000 acres and describes itself as “the world’s largest wildlife animal rescue center.”

In September 2025, after reviewing the investigators’ findings, India’s Supreme Court cleared Vantara of all allegations involving financial irregularities or animal trafficking. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and the law, and told the court it had imposed a voluntary moratorium on importing foreign wildlife. It said its current focus would be global conservation programs, technical assistance, and animal welfare.

The agreement with Venezuela was signed on Sept. 5 by Rodríguez, who led a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Ecosocialism and the India-based Greens Center/Vantara. The plan covers technical assistance, training, and technology for 16 zoos and aquariums, 12 breeding centers, and four wildlife rescue centers. Work will begin at El Pinar and Caricuao zoos.

“

the world’s largest wildlife animal rescue center