 "Vantara. Image courtesy Vantara.in")
In a major endorsement of India’s commitment to wildlife conservation, the The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Secretariat, an administrative body under the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), has concluded that facilities operated by the Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (GZRRC) and the Radha Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust (RKTEWT), both part of the Vantara complex, operate according to “exceptionally high standards” for animal care.
The CITES Secretariat conducted a comprehensive review and mission to India, preparing a report for the upcoming seventy-ninth meeting of the CITES Standing Committee in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
World-class veterinary care and infrastructure
The report specifically praises the advanced nature of the Vantara facilities, noting their superior enclosures and veterinary care.
“The CITES Secretariat has no reason to doubt that these facilities are suitably equipped to house and care for the animals… in case of animals of Appendix I-listed species,” the report stated.
Furthermore, the institutions have developed advanced veterinary procedures and achieved important successes in medical care and treatment for animals. The CITES Secretariat is actively encouraging the sharing of these benchmark treatment successes with the wider scientific community, implying that the standards achieved are of international relevance.
Full legal compliance confirmed
A key finding of the CITES mission confirms the legality and ethical operation of the facilities:
No evidence of illegal imports: The CITES Secretariat explicitly stated it has not found evidence of animals being imported to India without the necessary CITES export/re-export certificates and import permits, confirming full compliance with both CITES and Indian legislation.
Zero commercial activities: The CITES Secretariat found no evidence of commercial activities linked to the sale of animals or their offspring.
“At this juncture, the CITES Secretariat has not found evidence of any import for primarily commercial purposes or commercial use of the imported animals either,” the report stated.
- Focus on conservation: Management affirmed that their conservation breeding programmes are designed solely to support the future release of species and help restore wild populations globally and nationally.
Successful breeding programmes underway
The facilities are demonstrating measurable conservation progress.
They have begun breeding programmes for a native species, the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo, App. II), which has successfully bred. A programme for the non-native, critically endangered Spix macaw (Cyanopsitta spixii, App. I) is also underway, with young birds being reared for future reproduction.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThe report also highlights India’s exemplary cooperation and transparency. The CITES Secretariat expressed gratitude for India’s excellent organisation and logistical support during the mission.