Delhi Zoo to Sign MoU with Vantara: A new partnership is being planned between Delhi Zoo and Vantara – India’s largest private wildlife center in Gujarat. According to a senior official from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), this is a knowledge-sharing MoU, not a transfer of zoo management.
This agreement will also include the Gujarat government and aims to train zoo staff, improve animal management, and provide expert medical care for large animals.
What is this MoU About?
This is a three-way understanding between:
- Delhi Zoo
- Vantara (Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre)
- Gujarat Government
Purpose of the MoU:
Training for Delhi Zoo staff
Sharing modern management systems
Expert veterinary help for large animals
Exchange of animals, if needed
Also read : Vantara Jamnagar Vacancy: A Complete Guide to Opportunities at Anant Ambani’s Wildlife Project
No Zoo Control Transfer to Vantara
Officials from Delhi Zoo have clearly stated that this is not a privatisation move. The zoo will not be handed over to Vantara. It is only about sharing resources and knowledge to improve zoo quality.
Zoo Director Sanjeet Kumar confirmed:
“This agreement is focused on training, upgradation, and medical assistance. The zoo’s ownership stays with the government.”
Vantara Team Visited Delhi Zoo
A 7-member team from Vantara visited Delhi Zoo last Saturday and Sunday. They inspected various facilities and shared ideas.
Director Sanjeet Kumar said the MoU draft is ready and has been shared with all parties. But no one has signed it yet.
Past Collaboration Also Happened
This is not the first time Delhi Zoo and Vantara are working together.
- In 2021, they signed a training and skill development partnership.
- In late 2024, Vantara’s vet team visited Delhi Zoo to check the health of Shankar, the zoo’s only African elephant.
However, this time, the partnership is more detailed — including help from the Gujarat Government and the Environment Ministry.
Also read : Vantara Jamnagar Project Cost: Everything You Need to Know About This Mega Wildlife Initiative
About Delhi Zoo
- Established in 1959, the National Zoological Park in Delhi is one of India’s oldest zoos.
- It was designed to be a model zoo to guide other state-level zoos.
- It has always been under the central government’s control.
In 2019, it was briefly managed by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) but was later moved back under the Environment Ministry.
Zoo Faced Controversies in Recent Years
- In 2024, Delhi Zoo lost its membership with the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) due to concerns over how it treated the elephant Shankar.
- In 2023, the Delhi High Court criticized the ministry for poor staff management and rising animal deaths at the zoo.
What is Vantara?
- Vantara was started in 2020 by Anant Ambani.
- It began as a rescue center for sick and injured animals.
- Today, it is India’s largest private wildlife facility with over 10,360 animals.
- It provides modern care, clean environments, and global-level medical facilities.
However, some wildlife activists have raised concerns about:
Lack of transparency
Presence of rare and exotic animals
Risk of animals moving from public zoos to private centers
Despite this, Vantara has helped many institutions, including:
- Madras Crocodile Bank Trust
- Assam Zoo
- Kuno National Park (especially after the 2024 cheetah deaths)
Conclusion:
This new agreement is only about support and skill-sharing, not taking over Delhi Zoo. The goal is to upgrade the zoo’s systems and care with help from a top wildlife center.
But the government must ensure full transparency and regular public communication — so that people trust the process and no confusion is created.
