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flag India’s Vantara zoo faces scrutiny for acquiring thousands of endangered animals with questionable sourcing and inconsistent reporting, risking global conservation efforts.

flag A major wildlife conservation report has raised concerns about India’s Vantara mega-zoo in Gujarat, operated by the son of Asia’s richest man, over its acquisition of thousands of endangered animals, including species listed under CITES Appendix I. flag CITES officials found inconsistencies in reported numbers—Vantara claims 150,000 animals, but only about 47,000 were documented—along with questionable sourcing of species like the Tapanuli orangutan, cheetahs, gorillas, and bonobos from countries with no known breeding programs. flag Experts warn the facility may be exploiting legal loopholes, undermining global conservation efforts and threatening India’s environmental credibility. flag CITES urges India to strengthen import oversight and compliance, warning of potential trade sanctions if reforms are not made. flag The Indian government and Vantara have not responded to requests for comment.

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