India Urges UN Wildlife Body Not to Restrict Animal Imports Amid Questions Over Private Sanctuary

India has asked the global wildlife regulator not to impose a tightened ‘commercial use’ ban on wildlife imports, arguing that the country’s long-standing conservation framework already monitors private facilities, even as international groups raise compliance concerns involving the renowned Vantara sanctuary.

India has formally requested that the UN-affiliated wildlife trade authority avoid adding new restrictions on the import of exotic and endangered species, stating that the country’s regulatory system is sufficiently equipped to oversee rehabilitation centers, private reserves, and charitable conservation initiatives operating within national boundaries.

The government emphasized that additional external rules could create administrative barriers and slow down legitimate conservation work that depends on international cooperation and the movement of rescued animals for care, breeding, and recovery.

The appeal comes at a moment when global attention is focused on private wildlife facilities across Asia, including the high-profile Vantara sanctuary run by a major Indian business group, which has drawn both praise for its rescue efforts and scrutiny over the transportation and sourcing of animals.

Conservation analysts have highlighted the need for strong verification processes, yet Indian officials maintain that all current imports follow established protocols, inspections, and documentation standards laid out under national wildlife law and international conventions.

According to authorities, India’s position is rooted in the belief that conservation should balance ecological, scientific, and humanitarian considerations rather than rely on broad limitations that may unintentionally hinder rescue operations.

The government argues that each case already requires detailed review, including health assessments, genetic evaluations, suitability checks, and long-term welfare planning before any species is brought into the country, ensuring a transparent chain of custody for all approved transfers.

In discussions with the global wildlife body, Indian representatives have reiterated that the country’s existing system aligns with international best practices and that cooperation between independent sanctuaries, zoological experts, and regulatory agencies has strengthened compliance.

They also noted that India’s wildlife management history includes decades of successful species protection programs, ranging from big-cat recovery projects to bird-habitat preservation efforts that rely heavily on cross-border scientific collaboration.

The current debate has resurfaced after international organizations raised concerns related to monitoring standards, transportation conditions, and the role of private conservation entities across different regions.

While these groups continue to push for tighter global norms, Indian officials maintain that their regulatory approach ensures that each import is handled with accountability, veterinary oversight, and ethical care frameworks designed to safeguard animal welfare at every stage.

Stakeholders familiar with the sector say the government’s request aims to maintain flexibility for rehabilitation centers that work with injured, trafficked, or displaced wildlife.

They argue that overly restrictive rules might inhibit legitimate rescue pathways, especially for species requiring specialized environments, emergency relocation, or coordinated international care protocols that often depend on timely import approvals.

Observers note that the broader discussion reflects a worldwide challenge—balancing the need for strong wildlife protections with the operational realities of sanctuaries, research bodies, and conservation charities.

As international debates continue, India’s delegation has positioned the country as supportive of robust wildlife safeguards but opposed to blanket prohibitions that could impact responsible conservation organizations, including high-visibility private facilities operating under national oversight.

For now, the global regulator is expected to review the inputs from all member countries before finalizing any new guidelines. India’s stance underscores its commitment to ensuring that conservation policy remains practical, enforceable, and aligned with the welfare of vulnerable species while leaving room for scientific cooperation and rehabilitation-based imports when justified