Investigation raises questions on zoo transfers of exotic animals to Reliance-run Vantara
New Delhi: A recent investigative report published in Himal Southasian magazine has highlighted the issue of exotic wildlife smuggling into India through the porous borders of the northeast region. The report, authored by M. Rajshekhar, reveals that while many consignments of trafficked wildlife have been intercepted by law enforcement agencies and relocated to zoos, a significant number have found their way to Vantara, an initiative by Reliance Industries aimed at the 'rescue' and sheltering of wildlife.
Situated within the premises of the Jamnagar petrochemical complex, Vantara gained media attention during the pre-wedding festivities of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant in early March 2024.
According to the report, the dynamics of wildlife trade have evolved over time. While until 2018, most of the trade originated in India and was directed towards countries like Myanmar, China, and Vietnam, the trend has reversed. Presently, new supply chains are facilitating the influx of exotic species, including kangaroos, reptiles, birds, and primates from South-East Asia and Latin America into India.
Upon interception, the smuggled birds and animals are typically transferred to the nearest state-owned zoos in cities like Guwahati or Aizawl. However, a recent shift has been observed, as a significant number of these 'rescued' animals are subsequently relocated to Jamnagar from the zoos in Assam.
The report highlights the exponential growth of Vantara over the past four years, with a substantial collection of endangered species and a workforce of 2,700 individuals managing the facility. According to the Greens Zoological, Rescue, and Rehabilitation Centre's annual report for 2022–23, which collaborates with the Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust, Vantara houses 3,889 birds and animals representing 134 species.
Questions raised by the Himal report also pertain to the transfer of wildlife to Vantara from other zoos. For instance, the Sakkarbaug Zoo in Gujarat's Junagadh reportedly transferred 101 leopards to Jamnagar between March 2021 and March 2023, with unclear reasoning behind such a substantial transfer, as noted in the report.
In the fiscal year 2022–23, Greens documented a total of 160 transactions involving the receipt of wildlife. Some of the birds originated from state zoos located in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Manipur, Karnataka, West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Nagaland.
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Bus hits Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s car in Mumbai; none hurt
Mumbai, Mar 26 (PTI): A bus hit Bollywood actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s luxury car in Mumbai’s Juhu suburb on Wednesday, an official said, adding nobody was injured in the accident.
A video showing the high-end car, with the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking’s ubiquitous red bus behind it, went viral on social media.
Sources said Aishwarya was not in the car, which was hit by the bus from behind.
The video shows the car, which apparently did not suffer any major damage due to the bump from the bus, speeding off a while later.
After the accident, a bouncer (a type of security guard) from a bungalow near megastar Amitabh Bachchan’s residence on Juhu Tara Road came out and slapped the bus driver, a BEST official said.
According to the official, the bus left the Juhu Depot and as its reached near Amitabh Bachchan's residence, it hit the high-end car.
"The bus driver got down to see the damage suffered by the car. At this point, a bouncer from a nearby bungalow came out and slapped the driver," he said.
After that, the driver called the police control room and a team arrived at the spot, according to the official of the civic undertaking.
"When the police arrived, supervisory staff from the bungalow apologized to the bus driver. The driver ended the matter at this point and steered the bus towards Santacruz suburban station. No complaint or FIR was registered," the official added.
As per reports, Aishwarya Rai has sustained no injuries in minor collision between her car and bus on Mumbai#DNAVideos | #AishwaryaRaiBachchan | #viral | #viralvideo | #mumbai | #BreakingNews | #AishwaryaRai pic.twitter.com/QnRPw0Crc9
— DNA (@dna) March 26, 2025
