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CITES Recognizes India's Vantara for Outstanding Wildlife Conservation Efforts

In a significant acknowledgment of India's conservation efforts, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has lauded Vantara for its exemplary wildlife care and full compliance with global standards. This recognition underscores Vantara's commitment to animal welfare and conservation practices that align with international wildlife trade regulations.

The Recognition of Vantara

Following an official visit by the CITES Secretariat to India in September, the findings were compiled into a comprehensive report presented at the 79th meeting of the CITES Standing Committee in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. This report highlights India's robust wildlife protection framework and commends Vantara for its state-of-the-art veterinary infrastructure, ethical practices, and conservation-oriented management.

According to the Secretariat's report, both the Greens Rescue and Rehabilitation Zoo Center (GZRRC) and the Radha Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust (RKTEWT) operate under exceptionally high standards and are equipped with modern facilities, designed enclosures, and comprehensive veterinary care. The observed facilities across Vantara's multiple conservation zones confirm compliance with Article III of the Convention, which governs the care and trade of species listed in Appendix I. Notably, the report states that no illegal imports or commercial breeding activities were detected within any of Vantara's managed centers.

Ethical and Legal Leadership

CITES praised the Wildlife Protection Act of India, enacted in 1972 and amended in 2022, aligning fully with international obligations. The report positions India in Category 1 of the CITES National Legislation Project, signifying the highest level of compliance, a distinction achieved by only a few nations worldwide.

Emphasizing India's impeccable record in wildlife trade compliance, the Secretariat noted, "No evidence was found indicating that any animal was imported into India without the necessary CITES export or import permits, nor any imports for primarily commercial purposes." This statement serves as a categorical endorsement of India's transparent and law-abiding conservation framework, reinforcing the integrity of institutions like Vantara operating within this framework.

Advancing Science and Compassion

Beyond regulatory compliance, the CITES report highlighted the scientific and humanitarian excellence of Vantara's animal care model. Both GZRRC and RKTEWT have been recognized for their significant achievements in medical care and treatment of animals. The Secretariat encourages the sharing of these insights and innovations with the international scientific community to elevate global animal welfare standards.

Vantara's facilities blend modern science with compassionate care, providing rescued and rehabilitated animals with expansive natural habitats, advanced medical attention, and enrichment programs prioritizing their mental and physical well-being. Both centers reaffirm their philosophy of prioritizing conservation, stating that "selling animals or their offspring has never been an intention and will not occur in the future."

Institutional Recognition and Breeding Achievements

GZRRC has received official recognition from Indian authorities, having been accredited by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) in 2019, revalidated in 2023, and further acknowledged in 2025 for its ongoing compliance with national standards. Meanwhile, RKTEWT gained official recognition as a zoo by the CZA in July 2025. Collectively, Vantara's two facilities host over 47,000 animals representing thousands of species and maintain approved breeding programs for 42 species, including 26 natives and 16 introduced. Among their significant achievements are the breeding of the Asiatic lion, an endemic species, and the Spix's macaw, one of the rarest birds in the world, symbolizing hope for global biodiversity recovery.

A Model for the World

CITES' recognition marks a milestone in India's conservation trajectory, reflecting not only adherence to international law but also an emerging national ethic of empathy and ecological responsibility. Vantara's efforts embody a convergence of tradition and technology, where modern veterinary science, ethical governance, and spiritual commitment unite to redefine responsible wildlife care in the 21st century. As noted by CITES, India's approach, exemplified by Vantara, sets a global benchmark for humanitarian conservation—a model to safeguard our shared natural heritage.