In April 2025, the white bear, discovered in Chirmiri, and a deer were sent from Naya Raipur Jungle Safari to Vantara.
RAIPUR (India CSR): Amid the controversy surrounding the shifting of elephant Madhuri to Reliance Foundation’s Vantara Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, wildlife enthusiasts in Chhattisgarh have demanded the return of a rare white bear and deer that were sent from the state to Vantara earlier this year.
Rare Wildlife Exchanged Without Protocol, Allege Activists
In April 2025, the white bear, discovered in Chirmiri, and a deer were sent from Naya Raipur Jungle Safari to Vantara. In exchange, Chhattisgarh Forest Department officials brought back a pair of zebras, mouse deer, and meerkats. However, animal lovers allege that this exchange was carried out without following due protocol. Former Wildlife Board member Pran Chaddha has also raised concerns over the legality and ethics of the transfer.
“Vantara management has built a project on a large tract of land. Wild animals from across the country are being brought there, and a large number of species are being kept at Vantara. When the Wildlife Act clearly states that wild animals cannot be privately kept, under what rule are these animals being sent there? There may be bigger reasons behind this, but it would be premature to comment further at this stage.”
— Pran Chaddha
Former Member, Wildlife Board
Zebra Dies in Quarantine, Others Await Display
After arrival, the animals were kept under quarantine. During this period, the male zebra died after being bitten by a snake, while the female zebra, meerkats, and mouse deer remain in quarantine and have not yet been displayed to visitors. The Jungle Safari zoo, which has 32 enclosures, had spent ₹12 crore constructing new ones anticipating the arrival of exotic species like zebras and giraffes. Eight new enclosures are still vacant.
SIT to Investigate Vantara’s Practices
The Supreme Court, taking cognizance of allegations of animal trafficking, abuse, financial irregularities, and money laundering linked to Vantara, has constituted a four-member Special Investigation Team (SIT). The team, headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice J. Chelameswar, includes former Chief Justices Raghvendra Chauhan (Uttarakhand & Telangana), former Mumbai Police Commissioner Hemant Nagrale, and IRS officer Anish Gupta.
The SIT will submit its report by September 12, 2025, with the matter scheduled for further hearing on September 15, 2025. Its mandate covers animal welfare, wildlife trafficking, import-export laws, misuse of water, and carbon credit irregularities.
Vantara’s Response
In an official statement, Vantara said:
“We respect the order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court. Vantara is committed to transparency, compassion, and strict compliance with the law. Our mission remains rescue, rehabilitation, and care of animals. We will fully cooperate with the SIT and continue our work in good faith.”
Madhuri Elephant Case Triggered National Debate
The controversy intensified after Bombay High Court and later the Supreme Court ordered the transfer of elephant Madhuri, suffering from arthritis and mental stress, from Kolhapur to Vantara. The decision, following a plea by PETA India, sparked protests in Kolhapur, where locals alleged religious traditions were being insulted.
Now, with SIT scrutiny widening, questions are being raised not only about Madhuri but also about animals shifted from other states, including Chhattisgarh’s rare white bear and deer.
(India CSR)
