Overview
- The CITES Secretariat’s assessment says Vantara’s GZRRC and RKTEWT operate to exceptionally high welfare standards with advanced veterinary infrastructure.
- Investigators reported no evidence of imports without required CITES permits or of commercial use, including breeding or sales of animals or their offspring.
- The Supreme Court’s Special Investigation Team had already given Vantara a clean chit, with the bench stating the facilities are in strict compliance with laws.
- India’s Wildlife (Protection) Act, amended in 2022, was deemed fully aligned with CITES, placing the country in Category 1 under the National Legislation Project.
- India and Vantara pledged stronger verification and record‑keeping, CITES urged wider sharing of veterinary advances, and plans were noted for a public zoo and future rewilding programs.