The Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) had issued a report this month urging India to halt import permits. The recommendation followed a September visit to the zoo, during which officials noted discrepancies between exporter and importer records and said checks on the origins of certain animals were insufficient.
However, during the CITES Standing Committee session, numerous countries—including India, the United States, Japan and Brazil—argued that the proposed restriction was premature and unsupported by evidence of illegal wildlife imports. With sentiment clearly against maintaining the measure, committee chair Naimah Aziz announced that the recommendation would not stand, though she noted that further regulatory steps could be considered if needed.
Belgium and the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance continued to express concerns, urging a suspension of exports to India until verification processes are strengthened. But India reiterated its commitment to complying fully with CITES requirements.
Vantara, which houses roughly 2,000 species including exotic animals from South Africa, Venezuela and the Democratic Republic of Congo, has consistently maintained that its operations are transparent and lawful. In September, a Supreme Court-appointed panel in India cleared the facility of wrongdoing.
European scrutiny had intensified earlier this year, with EU environment officials indicating that member states would closely review any future export requests involving Vantara.
The CITES decision marks a significant development for India’s wildlife import activities, while ongoing discussions signal that international oversight of such trade remains active and evolving.