Concerns Raised Over Export of Wild Animals to Vantara Facility

The WAPFSA has alerted authorities regarding the significant export of leopards, cheetahs, tigers, and lions to Vantara, a facility owned by Anant Ambani. Concerns have been raised about the temperature suitability at Vantara and the welfare of exported animals. WAPFSA seeks an independent investigation into the matter, questioning the broader implications of animal captivity.

The Wildlife Animal Protection Forum of South Africa (WAPFSA) has raised alarms regarding the exportation of numerous wild animals, including leopards, cheetahs, tigers, and lions, to the Greens Zoological, Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (GZRRC), referred to as Vantara. This facility, owned by Anant Ambani, was inaugurated on March 3, 2024, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, coinciding with World Wildlife Day.

Concerns have been raised by experts about the suitability of Vantara’s location in Gujarat, which is significantly warmer than other regions of India, potentially jeopardizing the health of the animals housed there. WAPFSA formally communicated these concerns through a letter addressed to various authorities on March 6, targeting entities such as the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and the CITES Secretariat.

The GZRRC 2023/2024 Annual Report indicated that 56 cheetahs were exported from South Africa to Vantara. WAPFSA questioned the lack of non-detrimental findings regarding the cheetahs’ export, and expressed confusion about their origin within South Africa. The report details various exported species, totaling over 200 individuals, including lions (70), tigers (60), and other species such as aardvarks, jaguars, and ring-tailed lemurs.

The organization has also highlighted concerns about the circumstances surrounding the exportation of lions and tigers from South African breeding facilities, suggesting that while conditions at Vantara might be improved, they may ultimately contribute to further exploitation of these animals. A statement from WAPFSA emphasized, “this does not justify the reality that they will now be transformed into breeding machines.”

WAPFSA has called for an independent scientific investigation to evaluate the welfare of these animals. Their stance reflects a broader perspective on animal captivity, stating, “most wildlife experts agree that placing animals in any captive environment is itself a form of mistreatment.” The organization stressed that life in captivity can never replicate the natural existence of wildlife.

The WAPFSA has raised serious concerns regarding the exportation of wild animals to Vantara, emphasizing the implications of animal welfare and the conditions at the facility. With over 200 animals exported and ongoing exploitation worries, the organization has called for an independent investigation to ensure the animals’ wellbeing. The overarching message underscores the inherent cruelty in confining wild animals, advocating for their natural habitats over captivity.

Original Source: www.financialexpress.com