WAPFSA alerts that numerous wild animals, including leopards, cheetahs, tigers, and lions, have been exported to the Vantara facility owned by Anant Ambani. Experts raise concerns about the suitability of the climate for these species. The organization has requested investigations regarding the welfare of these animals amidst fears of breeding exploitation.
The Wildlife Animal Protection Forum of South Africa (WAPFSA) has raised serious concerns regarding the export of wild animals to the Greens Zoological, Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (GZRRC), known as Vantara, owned by Anant Ambani. The facility, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 3, 2024, has reportedly received a significant number of animals, including leopards, cheetahs, tigers, and lions, from South Africa.
Anant Ambani’s Vantara, situated in Gujarat, is a 3,000-acre facility. Experts have questioned the appropriateness of the climate for the zoo’s inhabitants, as Gujarat experiences higher temperatures unsuitable for many species. These concerns were formally communicated in a letter by WAPFSA to several authorities, including South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
The GZRRC 2023/2024 Annual Report reveals that 56 cheetahs are among the animals exported from South Africa to Vantara. WAPFSA’s letter questioned the lack of non-detrimental findings regarding these animals and requested clarity on the origins of the exported cheetahs.
Additional exported species include aardvark, cheetah, caracal, jaguar, leopard, lion, African wild dog, eland, marmoset, tiger, banded mongoose, and ring-tailed lemur, with various other species listed as well. Concerns have been expressed over the potential exploitation of lions and tigers in breeding facilities associated with the zoo.
WAPFSA has called for an independent scientific investigation to ascertain the wellbeing of these animals. They emphasized that captivity, regardless of facility advancements, is detrimental, stating, “A life in captivity in a zoo, no matter how advanced the zoo facilities may be, can never equal a life lived in natural surroundings.”
In conclusion, the WAPFSA’s concerns regarding the export of wild animals to Vantara highlight significant welfare issues, particularly due to the facility’s climate and the implications of these animals potentially becoming breeding machines. The organization has urged for thorough investigations to ensure the health and wellbeing of the exported species, reiterating that life in captivity poses inherent challenges for wildlife.
Original Source: www.financialexpress.com
