Ambani Zoo’s Pursuit of Endangered Parrot Draws Scrutiny

Headline: India’s Vantara Zoo Cleared Over Rare Parrot Controversy Amid Global Scrutiny

Indian authorities have cleared Vantara, a large animal sanctuary in Gujarat, of wrongdoing after concerns over rare parrot imports. The centre, run by the Ambani family’s philanthropic arm, housed 26 Spix’s macaws—an extremely rare bird declared extinct in the wild in 2019. These birds arrived from Germany in 2023 but sparked global debate. Brazil, where the parrots are native, said it did not authorize the transfer. Germany approved the shipment in “good faith” but later blocked further exports.

The Spix’s macaws came from ACTP, a German non-profit that had once partnered with Brazil for conservation. Customs records confirmed their February 2023 arrival in Ahmedabad, with costs listed but no commercial payments claimed. Brazil has since cut ties with ACTP, citing unauthorized bird transfers to other countries. Vantara insists the deal was legal and purely for conservation breeding. However, Brazil says India’s facility is not part of the official Spix’s macaw program.

Vantara spans 3,500 acres and houses over 2,000 species, including giraffes, tigers, and rhinos. Since 2022, it has imported thousands of animals from 40 countries. Customs records show a declared value of $9 million for shipping and insurance, not animal purchases. The zoo, adjacent to a Reliance Industries oil refinery, has also featured in high-profile events. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the centre and was seen interacting with animals, including a Spix’s macaw.

Though India’s Supreme Court ordered an investigation, the court this week confirmed that Vantara followed laws and CITES guidelines. Export-import permits for the macaws were in order, and India is now in talks with Brazil about future “rewilding” efforts. CITES officials say discussions between Brazil, India, and Germany are ongoing. Documents show progress ahead of the next CITES meeting in November.

Still, European officials remain cautious. The EU has said it will closely monitor all future wildlife exports to Vantara. A recent statement from the European Environment Commissioner confirmed that applications involving the facility will face extra scrutiny. As global eyes remain on the sanctuary, its next moves could shape international wildlife conservation standards.