The Convention on International Wildlife Trade (CITES), which monitors the illegal trade of endangered species of wild animals and birds across the world, has openly praised the excellent practices and functioning of the Vantara Project based in Jamnagar, Gujarat and its two associated organizations, ‘Green Zoological Rescue and Recovery Centre’ (GZRRC) and ‘Radhakrishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust’ (RKTEWT). Earlier, the Supreme Court had also given clean chit to Vantara.

In the investigation report, CITES has said that both the institutions are operating on the basis of very high standards. Modern enclosures, medical care and advanced facilities are available for the animals here. According to the report, these institutions have achieved many important successes in the field of veterinary medicine. Going a step further, the report recommended that veterinary experience should be shared by these institutions with the scientific community.

The report said that India’s wildlife protection and regulatory system has met international standards, and Vantara is setting a new example in the field of animal conservation. CITES said the Indian government has ensured that all animal-import processes undertaken by GZRRC and RKTEWT are fully legal and transparent in accordance with Indian laws.

The organization’s investigation found that all the animals were brought to India only on CITES export or re-export permits. No animal was brought to India without a permit. Additionally, there was no indication of import or sale of animals for any commercial purpose. The report specifically highlighted how Vanatara had canceled the import of chimpanzees from Cameroon due to a lack of transparency.