UK ministers told not to engage formally with Indian mega-zoo after lobbying
Summary
UK ministers were advised not to engage formally with Vantara after the Indian animal sanctuary and lobbyists sought meetings ahead of a Cites committee gathering chaired by the UK. Documents also show officials raised concerns about India’s compliance with rules on endangered-animal imports and reviewed a proposed falcon transaction that did not result in exports to India.Key Facts
- Vantara is a private zoo near the Ambani family’s oil-refining facilities in Gujarat, India.
- Documents obtained under the UK Freedom of Information Act describe lobbying efforts by Vantara representatives and firms before the Cites meeting in Geneva.
- UK officials declined an invitation to visit Vantara to preserve the impartiality of the UK’s role as Cites chair.
- A note advised then ministers Emma Reynolds and Mary Creagh not to engage formally with Vantara.
- A 2025 Cites fact-finding mission raised concerns about India’s compliance with rules governing animal imports and recommended temporary restrictions, which were later withdrawn.
- UK officials classified a £50,000 payment to a British falcon breeder as commercial in connection with a Vantara application to import falcons and hybrids; the birds were not exported to India.
- Vantara said it had not imported falcons from the UK and had not hired or paid a lobbying firm.
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