CITES Commends India's Vantara for Excellence in Wildlife Conservation Efforts
In a groundbreaking acknowledgment of India's commitment to wildlife conservation, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) recently commended Vantara, an innovative wildlife care initiative, for its exceptional standards and compliance with international wildlife trade regulations. This recognition stems from a comprehensive report presented at the seventy-ninth CITES Standing Committee meeting held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, following an official visit by the CITES Secretariat to India in September.
The CITES report underscores the robust wildlife protection framework established in India and highlights Vantara's state-of-the-art veterinary infrastructure and ethical practices, which are crucial for the well-being of endangered species. Notably, the facilities operated by Vantara, such as the Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (GZRRC) and the Radha Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust (RKTEWT), are recognized for operating at exceptionally high standards. These centers feature well-structured enclosures and advanced veterinary care practices that facilitate the holistic development of the animals under their care.
During their visit, CITES officials observed that all operations conducted by Vantara were in complete compliance with Article III of the Convention, governing the care and trade of Appendix I-listed species. Throughout their evaluation, officials noted the absence of illegal imports or commercial breeding activities in any of the centers managed by Vantara, reaffirming the initiative's commitment to ethical practices. This clean record emphasizes the transparency and responsibility with which Vantara handles wildlife management.
The CITES review also praised India's Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 and its subsequent amendments for aligning with international obligations. The report categorically places India in Category 1 under CITES' National Legislation Project, which represents the highest level of compliance achievable and is only attained by a select few nations. The Secretariat concluded that no evidence was found of animals being imported into the country without the necessary CITES export or import permits, nor for primarily commercial purposes, which further underscores India's adherence to ethical wildlife trade standards.
In addition to regulatory compliance, the CITES report celebrated Vantara's scientific and humane approach to animal care. Both GZRRC and RKTEWT were acknowledged for their significant contributions to animal medical care and treatment. The Secretariat encouraged these institutions to share their successes and innovations with the global scientific community to promote the global elevation of animal welfare standards.
Vantara’s facilities harmoniously integrate modern science with compassionate care, offering rescued animals expansive, naturalistic habitats, comprehensive medical attention, and enrichment programs that cater to both their psychological and physical well-being. The centers are committed to a conservation-first philosophy, clearly stating that they have no intent to commercialize the sale of animals or their offspring in the future.
These facilities have gained official recognition from Indian authorities, with the GZRRC approved by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) in 2019, having been revalidated in 2023 and again in 2025 for consistently adhering to India's national standards. The RKTEWT also became officially recognized by the CZA in July 2025. Together, the two institutions accommodate over 47,000 animals across thousands of species, managing approved breeding programs for 42 species, including 26 native and 16 non-native species. Some of their notable achievements include the successful breeding of the Asiatic lion, native to India, and the Spix macaw, known as one of the rarest bird species in the world, symbolizing a beacon of hope for global biodiversity recovery.
This commendation from CITES marks a significant milestone in India's conservation narrative, suggesting an evolving national ethos that embodies empathy and ecological responsibility. Vantara exemplifies the melding of tradition and innovative technology, where modern veterinary practices, ethical governance, and spiritual commitment synergize to redefine responsible wildlife care standards in the 21st century. CITES has recognized that India's approach, articulated through Vantara, sets a global benchmark for humane conservation practices—a model that countries around the world can aspire to in efforts to safeguard our shared natural heritage.
The CITES report underscores the robust wildlife protection framework established in India and highlights Vantara's state-of-the-art veterinary infrastructure and ethical practices, which are crucial for the well-being of endangered species. Notably, the facilities operated by Vantara, such as the Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (GZRRC) and the Radha Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust (RKTEWT), are recognized for operating at exceptionally high standards. These centers feature well-structured enclosures and advanced veterinary care practices that facilitate the holistic development of the animals under their care.
During their visit, CITES officials observed that all operations conducted by Vantara were in complete compliance with Article III of the Convention, governing the care and trade of Appendix I-listed species. Throughout their evaluation, officials noted the absence of illegal imports or commercial breeding activities in any of the centers managed by Vantara, reaffirming the initiative's commitment to ethical practices. This clean record emphasizes the transparency and responsibility with which Vantara handles wildlife management.
The CITES review also praised India's Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 and its subsequent amendments for aligning with international obligations. The report categorically places India in Category 1 under CITES' National Legislation Project, which represents the highest level of compliance achievable and is only attained by a select few nations. The Secretariat concluded that no evidence was found of animals being imported into the country without the necessary CITES export or import permits, nor for primarily commercial purposes, which further underscores India's adherence to ethical wildlife trade standards.
In addition to regulatory compliance, the CITES report celebrated Vantara's scientific and humane approach to animal care. Both GZRRC and RKTEWT were acknowledged for their significant contributions to animal medical care and treatment. The Secretariat encouraged these institutions to share their successes and innovations with the global scientific community to promote the global elevation of animal welfare standards.
Vantara’s facilities harmoniously integrate modern science with compassionate care, offering rescued animals expansive, naturalistic habitats, comprehensive medical attention, and enrichment programs that cater to both their psychological and physical well-being. The centers are committed to a conservation-first philosophy, clearly stating that they have no intent to commercialize the sale of animals or their offspring in the future.
These facilities have gained official recognition from Indian authorities, with the GZRRC approved by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) in 2019, having been revalidated in 2023 and again in 2025 for consistently adhering to India's national standards. The RKTEWT also became officially recognized by the CZA in July 2025. Together, the two institutions accommodate over 47,000 animals across thousands of species, managing approved breeding programs for 42 species, including 26 native and 16 non-native species. Some of their notable achievements include the successful breeding of the Asiatic lion, native to India, and the Spix macaw, known as one of the rarest bird species in the world, symbolizing a beacon of hope for global biodiversity recovery.
This commendation from CITES marks a significant milestone in India's conservation narrative, suggesting an evolving national ethos that embodies empathy and ecological responsibility. Vantara exemplifies the melding of tradition and innovative technology, where modern veterinary practices, ethical governance, and spiritual commitment synergize to redefine responsible wildlife care standards in the 21st century. CITES has recognized that India's approach, articulated through Vantara, sets a global benchmark for humane conservation practices—a model that countries around the world can aspire to in efforts to safeguard our shared natural heritage.
Topics Environment）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.