UK ministers told not to engage formally with Indian mega-zoo after lobbying

A leaked advisory warns UK government ministers to avoid formal contact with Vantara, a controversial private zoo linked to an Indian billionaire, following lobbying efforts ahead of a key international meeting. The UK is currently chairing a CITES committee in Geneva, where compliance with endangered species trade rules—particularly concerning India’s imports—will be scrutinized. Documents suggest pressure was applied to influence discussions before the high-stakes negotiations begin. The meeting could shape global wildlife protection policies, with India’s handling of endangered animal imports under close review.

Guardian and Mongabay reveal approaches to officials and MPs on behalf of Vantara zoo ahead of UK-chaired Cites meeting on endangered animal importsBritish government ministers were told not to engage formally with Vantara, the controversial mega-zoo run by the Indian billionaire Anant Ambani, after lobbying efforts by the private animal sanctuary in the run-up to a UK-chaired meeting on the trade in endangered species, according to documents.This week, the UK heads a 32-country committee meeting in Geneva of Cites, the United Nations body that regulates trade in endangered species. The meeting will examine how India has responded to compliance concerns about imports of endangered animals. Continue reading...