Ambani scion’s Zoo draws flak over sourcing of animals

It is facing allegations of illegal transfer of forest elephants and undue influence on state zoos in India

- Rohini Mohan

BENGALURU A new private zoo in Jamnagar, the pre-wedding celebrations venue of Mr Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Asia’s richest person, has drawn attention over how it is sourcing its animals.

The zoo in India’s western state of Gujarat is a personal project of the 28-year-old, whose father, Reliance chief Mukesh Ambani, has a personal wealth of US$14 billion S$152 billion).

Mr Anant Ambani refers to the zoo as an animal shelter” with 43 species rescued from around India and the world”.

The Ambani family, who own conglomerate Reliance Industries, launched the 1,214ha zoo and animal rescue sanctuary on Feb 26.

Officially called Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Kingdom”, it will be run by the conglomerate’s non-profit trust in the green belt of the Reliance petroleum refinery, the world’s largest.

A company statement said the zoo, dubbed Vantara, which means Star of the Forest”, has more than 200 elephants and over 300 large cats such as leopards, tigers, lions and jaguars. There are more than 3,000 herbivores such as deer, and over 1,200 reptiles including crocodiles, snakes and turtles.

The zoo was the site of Mr Anant Ambani’s grand pre-wedding bash from March1to 3. The board member of Jio, Reliance’s telecoms company, said in a video interview with India Today that no wildlife would be exposed for entertainment” for his guests, and that safaris would be solely for educational purposes”. It is not clear what sort of visitors will be allowed.

But a photo of Ms _ Ivanka Trump with a decorated Asian elephant in the background has revived concerns of his use of wildlife for personal entertainment.