 Vanatara sets new standards in animal welfare, says CITES
 Equipped with modern enclosures, medical care, and advanced facilities
 India’s wildlife protection and regulatory framework meets global standards
New Delhi : The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) — the global body monitoring illegal trade in endangered wildlife — has lauded Gujarat’s Jamnagar-based Vanatara Project and its associated entities, the Green Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (GZRRC) and the Radhakrishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust (RKTEWT), for their exemplary practices and high operational standards. This recognition comes close on the heels of the Supreme Court of India also giving a clean chit to Vanatara.
In its report, CITES noted that both GZRRC and RKTEWT are being managed at exceptionally high standards, providing animals with modern enclosures, medical care, and advanced welfare facilities. The report commended the institutions for achieving significant milestones in veterinary care and even suggested that their expertise should be shared with the global scientific community to enhance knowledge exchange. The report further stated that India’s wildlife protection and regulatory framework aligns with international standards, with Vanatara emerging as a model initiative in wildlife conservation. CITES affirmed that the Government of India has ensured all animal imports by GZRRC and RKTEWT are fully legal and transparent, strictly adhering to national laws.
The investigation confirmed that all animals were imported under valid CITES export or re-export permits, and no animal was brought into India without the required documentation. It also found no evidence of any commercial trade or sale of animals. Notably, the report highlighted that Vanatara had cancelled a proposed import of chimpanzees from Cameroon after identifying a lack of transparency in the source documentation — underscoring its commitment to ethical practices.
CITES concluded that Vanatara and its associated organizations are setting a global benchmark in animal rescue, rehabilitation, and welfare, reinforcing India’s position as a responsible leader in wildlife conservation.