Huge private zoo owned by billionaire family investigated after mistreatment accusations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the rescue centre earlier this year (Image: Getty)

A huge private zoo owned by the son of Asia's richest person is being investigated by India's supreme court following allegations of illegally importing and mistreating animals. The 3,000-acre Vantara Animal Rescue Centre, owned by Anat Ambani, son of billionaire Mukesh Ambani, is home to around 200 lions, 250 leopards and 900 crocodiles and describes itself as the "world's biggest wild animal rescue centre".

However, a court-ordered inquiry is set to examine allegations of violated wildlife laws, mistreatment and financial irregularities at the 2,000-species facility. The Supreme Court said it had not seen proof in support of the allegations but ordered the inquiry in response to accusations that local authorities had failed in their law-keeping duties. A spokesperson for Vantara said it would fully cooperate with the inquiry.

The vast zoo has around 2,000 animal species (Image: Getty)

"Vantara remains committed to transparency, compassion and full compliance with the law," the spokesperson told the BBC.

"Our mission and focus continues to be the rescue, rehabilitation and care of animals."

The zoo is not open to the public but made headlines as the backdrop for Anant Ambani's pre-wedding celebrations last year, during which guests were encouraged to don "jungle fever" themed outfits.

It was also visited by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this year, who praised its "truly commendable" wildlife conservation efforts.

In March, a joint investigation by German news outlet Süddeutsche Zeitung and Venezuelan site Amrando Info reported that around 39,000 wild animals had been shipped to the facility.

The Supreme Court said its inquiry would focus on claims of illegal animal aquisition, especially regarding elephants, violations of wildlife laws and allegations of money laundering and financial irregularities.

Anant's father, Mukesh Ambani, is the world's richest oil baron and owner of the Reliance Industries conglomerate. He also acquired British toy retailer Hamleys in 2019 in a deal worth almost £70 million.