India’s top court orders probe into Anant Ambani’s private zoo amid illegal animal import allegations

India’s Supreme Court has launched a formal investigation into Anant Ambani — the youngest son of billionaire Mukesh Ambani — following accusations of illegal animal imports, financial misconduct, and misuse of a private zoo project.

The case centers on Vantara, a sprawling facility in Gujarat established under the Reliance Foundation, which bills itself as “the world’s largest wild animal rescue and rehabilitation center.” While Vantara has been praised for its scale and ambition, animal rights groups have alleged it is little more than a vanity project, holding endangered species in unsuitable conditions while evading oversight.

According to officials from India’s Central Zoo Authority, the private facility currently houses an extraordinary collection of wildlife: nearly 200 elephants, 160 tigers, 200 lions, 250 leopards, 50 bears, and close to 900 crocodiles. Critics argue that many of these animals were acquired without proper authorization and are unlikely to ever be released into their natural habitats.

Photographs of Modi feeding bananas to elephants at the site were widely circulated in Indian media. But for critics, the glowing endorsements stand in stark contrast to troubling realities. Activists insist the project represents an extravagant display of wealth rather than a genuine commitment to conservation.

The Supreme Court said on Tuesday that it had appointed a panel of retired judges to conduct an “independent, factual appraisal” of the charges. The inquiry will assess whether animals were illegally acquired, whether Vantara has violated the Wildlife Protection Act, and whether Gujarat’s dry climate can even sustain such species.

The panel will also examine accusations of money laundering linked to the project, as well as complaints that the Central Zoo Authority failed to enforce proper oversight.

The investigation was prompted by petitions from multiple non-profits and wildlife advocacy groups. These organizations not only allege misconduct by Ambani but also accuse regulators of turning a blind eye.

In its response, Vantara denied any wrongdoing, pledging to cooperate fully with authorities. “Our mission and focus continues to be the rescue, rehabilitation, and long-term care of animals,” the organization said in a statement.

The Supreme Court panel has been given until September 12 to deliver its findings.

Vantara claims to shelter more than 150,000 animals across 2,000 species, including what it describes as the world’s largest elephant care facility. Earlier this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the zoo and lauded it as a “safe haven for endangered animals” that promotes ecological sustainability.

This is not the first time Anant Ambani has attracted public attention. In 2024, he made global headlines for hosting one of the most lavish weddings in modern history. The celebrations stretched over several days and featured private performances by international superstars including Beyoncé, Katy Perry, and Justin Bieber. Guests were even ferried to Vantara as part of the festivities.

That display of wealth, coupled with the current allegations, has further sharpened public debate in India about the intersection of money, power, and accountability.

For now, the fate of Vantara — and of Anant Ambani’s role in it — rests with the Supreme Court’s inquiry. Its verdict will determine whether the facility stands as a beacon of conservation or as one of India’s most controversial private collections of wildlife.

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