Transfer of seized animals from Assam Zoo to Anant Ambani's Vantara raises questions

Guwahati: The Assam Forest department is facing scrutiny over the transfer of seized exotic animals from the Assam State Zoo to the Green Zoological, Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (GZRRC), now known as Vantara, in Jamnagar, Gujarat owned by Anant Ambani, son of Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani.

The situation has sparked outrage among wildlife activists and conservationists, raising critical questions about transparency and legality of the transfer of the animals as well as potential links to international wildlife smuggling.

A Pattern of Haste and Secrecy:

Assam police and Forest department frequently seize smuggled exotic animals, often comprising rare and endangered species from far-flung locations like Indonesia, Africa, and Latin America. However, these very creatures are then swiftly transferred to Vantara, raising concerns about the undue haste involved in the process.

The 2022-23 annual report of the Greens Zoological, Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (Vantara's former name) reveals that in 2022 alone, Vantara received a total of 64 animals, including two one-horned rhinos, from the Assam State Zoo.

The animals received by Amabani's zoo from Assam state zoo, include 17 African spurred tortoises (Centrochelys sulcata), one Bearded capuchin (Sapajus libidinosus), one Bennett's tree kangaroo (Dendrolagus bennettianus), two Black-crested mangabeys (Lophocebus aterrimus), six Booted macaques (Macaca ochreata), one White-cheeked gibbon (Hylobates albibarbis), one De Brazza's monkey (Cercopithecus neglectus), two European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus), four Heck's macaques (Macaca hecki), three Indochinese silvered langurs (Trachypithecus germaini), one Kloss's gibbon (Hylobates klossii), one Lar gibbon (Hylobates lar), four Lesser spot-nosed guenons (Cercopithecus petaurista), one Meerkat (Suricata suricatta), eight Moor macaques (Macaca maura), one Pileated Gibbon (Hylobates pileatus), one Red-tailed guenon (Cercopithecus Ascanius), five Tonkean macaques (Macaca tonkeana), two White-throated guenons/Hoest's monkeys (Cercopithecus erythrogaster), and two one-horned rhinos.

Established Protocols Allegedly Flouted:

Established protocols for animal exchange between zoos, as mandated by the Central Zoo Authority and the Wildlife Protection Act, seemingly went ignored in these transfers. These protocols typically involve lengthy procedures, including inspections, health checks, and quarantine periods, to ensure the animals' well-being and prevent the spread of diseases. Additionally, animal exchanges usually involve a reciprocal transfer of species between zoos. However, sources allege that Assam sent these animals to Vantara without receiving anything in return, further fueling suspicions about the legitimacy of the transfers.

“The standard protocols for animal exchange between zoos involve lengthy procedures, including approval from the Central Zoo Authority and adherence to the Wildlife Protection Act. These processes can take months, if not a year, to complete. However, in the case of animals transferred to GZRRC, the turnaround time has been a mere 19 days in some instances,” said a wildlife activist requesting anonymity.

On October 19, 2022, police seized 13 rare exotic animals in the Derby tea garden area in Assam's Cachar district along the Mizoram border. These very animals were disconcertingly transferred to Vantara within a mere 19 days, a stark contrast to the standard procedures that typically take months, if not a year, to complete due to stringent requirements. It raised questions about whether proper investigations were conducted to determine the origin and legality of the animals.

Reports suggest that Vantara received other animals from Assam under similarly dubious circumstances.

Ethical Concerns Regarding Vantara:

While Vantara portrays itself as a rehabilitation facility, critics raise ethical concerns regarding their acceptance of potentially smuggled wildlife. They question whether Vantara is truly committed to conservation or simply exploiting the "rescue" narrative as a smokescreen for potentially profiting from these exotic animals.

A Web of Doubt and the Need for Investigation:

The swiftness of the transfers, coupled with the apparent lack of transparency from the Assam Forest Department and Police, paints a concerning picture.

The role of the Assam Police and Forest Department in these transfers remains shrouded in mystery.

The Assam Forest Department or state zoo authorities made no official statement regarding the transfer of these animals to a private zoo. It came to light only after the 2022-23 Annual Report of the Greens Zoological, Rescue, and Rehabilitation Centre was published.

The ease with which seized smuggling vehicles were reportedly released further deepens the suspicion of potential collusion or a deliberate downplaying of the situation. Conservationists urge a thorough investigation to expose any potential links to an international wildlife smuggling operation.

A thorough investigation must be conducted to unearth the truth behind these expedited transfers and expose any potential connections to wildlife smuggling, said a wildlife activist.

Furthermore, the Assam government needs to implement stricter protocols for handling seized wildlife, prioritizing transparency, adherence to legal procedures, and the welfare of the animals involved, he said.