India stays under global watch over animal imports to Vantara sanctuary

India is still under international surveillance over the huge number of animals brought into Vantara, one of the world's most unusual wildlife sanctuaries.

The decision comes from CITES, the international convention that regulates trade in endangered species. It followed a meeting in Geneva. India has been criticised for not checking the massive imports of animals to this large private reserve closely enough.

Vantara, meanwhile, is trying to polish its reputation. The centre says it wants to repair its image, but for now the watch on India stays in place.

A quick reminder of how we got here. Vantara, a rescue and rehabilitation centre backed by Anant Ambani, opened in Jamnagar, in the state of Gujarat, in February 2024. Its scale and its animal imports drew attention almost immediately. In August 2025, India's Supreme Court appointed a special investigation team to look into alleged rule violations, including over those imports.

So the question is no longer only about one sanctuary. It is also about how well India controls the flow of animals coming in.