Vantara, India’s largest wildlife rescue and rehabilitation initiative, has set a global benchmark by achieving the prestigious Global Humane Conservation Certified™ distinction for its standards of animal care, welfare, and wellbeing. This recognition places Vantara among the world’s leading conservation centers that follow the highest humane practices for protecting, rehabilitating, and conserving wildlife.
The announcement was made by the Global Humane Society, the international branch of the American Humane Society, on September 22, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Known as the United States’ first national humane organization and the largest certifier of animal welfare practices in the world, Global Humane’s recognition highlights the scale and impact of Vantara’s work in India and beyond.
What is Vantara?
Vantara is a privately managed wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation center located in Gujarat, India. It was founded under the vision of Mr. Anant Ambani, Executive Director of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), with the aim of creating a world-class sanctuary for injured, abandoned, and endangered animals.
Spread across 3,500 acres, Vantara integrates advanced veterinary technology with natural habitats to give animals a safe and healing environment. Some of its state-of-the-art facilities include:
- Elephant hydrotherapy pools
- MRI and advanced diagnostic suites
- Modern surgical theatres
- Dedicated rehabilitation enclosures
- Research laboratories for wildlife genetics and conservation
Beyond treatment and rehabilitation, Vantara is also engaged in rewilding initiatives, habitat restoration, and species conservation programs. Its work is focused not only on protecting India’s rich biodiversity but also on ensuring global conservation impact.
Why the Global Humane Certification Matters
Achieving the Global Humane Conservation Certified™ distinction is not just a symbolic achievement—it is the result of a rigorous independent assessment conducted by leading animal welfare experts, veterinarians, and scientists.
According to Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of Global Humane Society:
“We are pleased to announce that Vantara has met the science-based standards to become Global Humane Conservation Certified. Our independent audit revealed that animal welfare is prioritized and conservation is advanced at Vantara.”
The certification is considered the gold standard in animal care, as it reviews every aspect of welfare including housing, diet, access to clean water, veterinary care, lighting, shelter, activity opportunities, and the training of caretakers. The benchmarks are species-specific, ensuring that each animal’s unique needs are addressed.
Vantara’s Holistic Approach to Wildlife Care
What sets Vantara apart from many other conservation centers is its holistic approach that blends science, compassion, and community. Its work can be divided into four main areas:
- Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation
Vantara provides immediate care to animals that are injured, abandoned, or rescued from illegal captivity. From elephants and leopards to exotic birds and reptiles, the center offers a safe space for recovery. - Advanced Veterinary Care
With facilities like hydrotherapy for elephants, surgical theatres, and MRI scans, Vantara ensures animals receive the same quality of healthcare as humans. These innovations place it among the top wildlife care facilities globally. - Conservation and Rewilding
The center plays a vital role in rewilding projects, where rehabilitated animals are carefully reintroduced into protected forests and sanctuaries. It also focuses on restoring natural habitats to support biodiversity. - Community Engagement and Awareness
Vantara runs educational programs, community outreach initiatives, and eco-friendly campaigns to build harmony between humans and wildlife. The goal is to inspire the next generation to become custodians of nature.
The Rigorous Certification Process
The Global Humane Society’s certification process involves several steps to ensure transparency and credibility. These include:
- Independent Scientific Review: The criteria are shaped by experts in animal science, zoology, veterinary medicine, and ethics.
- On-Site Audits: Teams visit the facility to inspect animal living conditions, staff interactions, and healthcare practices.
- Species-Specific Benchmarks: Welfare standards are adapted to the needs of each species, from elephants and big cats to reptiles and birds.
- Continuous Monitoring: Even after certification, centers are subject to periodic reviews to ensure standards are maintained.
The Global Humane Conservation Certification Program is the first of its kind, solely focused on ensuring humane treatment of wild animals in zoos, aquariums, and conservation centers worldwide. By passing this rigorous evaluation, Vantara has proven its commitment to ethical animal welfare.
Global Impact of Vantara’s Work
While Vantara is based in India, its impact resonates worldwide. By safeguarding endangered species and maintaining genetic diversity, it contributes to the global fight against biodiversity loss. The center also emphasizes climate-conscious conservation, aligning with global efforts to combat environmental challenges.
Moreover, Vantara collaborates with international researchers and conservation bodies to share knowledge and best practices. This cross-border cooperation strengthens the global network of organizations working for wildlife protection.
Voices from the Conservation Community
Experts from around the world have praised Vantara for setting new benchmarks. Conservationists note that its integration of modern science with traditional care ethics is a model for other countries to follow.
- Global Humane Society highlighted that Vantara’s facilities go beyond basic animal care to provide enriching environments that support both physical recovery and psychological wellbeing.
- Local communities in Gujarat also acknowledge Vantara’s role in generating awareness about protecting India’s native species.
Table: Key Details About Vantara and Its Certification
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of Institution | Vantara |
| Location | Gujarat, India |
| Founder / Visionary | Mr. Anant Ambani, Executive Director, Reliance Industries |
| Area Covered | Approx. 3,500 acres |
| Key Facilities | Elephant hydrotherapy, MRI suites, surgical theatres, veterinary labs |
| Certification Awarded | Global Humane Conservation Certified™ |
| Certifying Organization | Global Humane Society (International brand of American Humane Society) |
| Focus Areas | Rescue, rehabilitation, rewilding, habitat restoration, community work |
| Global Significance | Protects endangered species, genetic diversity, and climate resilience |
Also read: Vantara India: India’s Most Ambitious Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Initiative
About Global Humane Society
The Global Humane Society is the international identity of the American Humane Society, the first national humane organization in the United States. With over a century of leadership, it is the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare, overseeing the humane treatment of more than one billion animals annually across farms, zoos, aquariums, and conservation centers.
The organization has been at the forefront of virtually every major advancement in animal protection, advocating for better policies, supporting rescue missions, and certifying institutions that demonstrate humane practices. Its Global Humane Conservation Certification Program is the first initiative dedicated solely to verifying welfare standards for wild animals in managed care.
Also read: What is Vantara Jamnagar? Insights into Its Operations and Global Impact
The Future of Vantara
With its newly earned Global Humane Conservation Certified™ distinction, Vantara is set to play an even greater role in shaping the future of wildlife protection. The center plans to expand its research programs, increase rewilding efforts, and continue raising awareness about the importance of coexistence between humans and animals.
For India, this achievement represents a new milestone in conservation leadership, positioning the country as a model for humane wildlife management. For the world, Vantara’s recognition is a reminder that compassion, science, and community can come together to create lasting change for animals.
Also read: Supreme Court Vantara Verdict: SIT Report Confirms Compliance, Dismisses Allegations
Conclusion
The certification of Vantara by the Global Humane Society is not just an award—it is a global acknowledgment of India’s growing role in wildlife conservation. By combining advanced veterinary science, compassionate care, and large-scale conservation strategies, Vantara has set new international benchmarks for how animals should be treated.
As the planet faces increasing environmental challenges, centers like Vantara are essential in creating a future where wildlife and humans coexist in balance. This distinction serves as both recognition and inspiration—proof that humane conservation is not just possible, but essential for the survival of our shared Earth.