The Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has shared observations from its September visit to India, noting positive practices in wildlife care, infrastructure, and regulatory adherence at Vantara facilities.
In its report for the seventy-ninth meeting of the CITES Standing Committee in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, the Secretariat outlined India’s wider wildlife protection framework and referenced the veterinary services, animal care systems, and facilities available at the Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (GZRRC) and the Radha Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust (RKTEWT).
The report mentioned that both centres have established structured enclosures, veterinary support, and operational processes aligned with CITES-related requirements, particularly those relevant to Appendix-listed species under Article III of the Convention.
The mission also acknowledged ongoing work in the field of animal care and encouraged the sharing of relevant research and learnings with the broader scientific and conservation community.
The Secretariat recorded that the regulatory procedures observed in India are consistent with CITES’ mandate, including the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (as amended in 2022), which currently places India in Category 1 under the National Legislation Project, indicating alignment with the Convention’s legal framework.
Both GZRRC and RKTEWT have stated that their focus remains centred on conservation and rehabilitation. GZRRC has been recognised by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) since 2019, with subsequent validations in 2023 and 2025, while RKTEWT received CZA recognition in July 2025.
Together, the two facilities house a diverse range of species and run approved breeding programmes for select native and non-native species, including conservation-driven initiatives for animals such as the Asiatic lion and Spix macaw.