Indian business tycooy and philanthropist, Anant Ambani has made history by receiving the Global Humanitarian Award from the Global Humane Society (GHS), becoming the youngest ever honouree and the first Asian to claim this coveted recognition. The award, presented in Washington, DC, celebrates Ambani’s transformative leadership in wildlife conservation through Vantara, his sprawling rescue and rehabilitation centre in Gujarat, India.
Vantara, recently granted the rigorous Global Humane Certified™ status after an independent audit by experts in veterinary medicine, zoology, and ethics, stands as a beacon of hope for abused and endangered animals. Spanning thousands of acres, it combines ex-situ care outside natural habitats with in-situ ecosystem protection, focusing on rescuing, healing, and reintroducing species. The centre houses animals from many species, including hundreds of elephants rescued from cruel conditions like logging and circuses.
Dr Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of GHS – the international brand of the nearly 150-year-old American Humane Society – hailed Vantara as “a sanctuary of healing” that has “set a new global standard for compassion in action”. In his response, Ambani emphasised ancient Indian wisdom: “Sarvabhutahita – the wellbeing of all beings. Animals teach us balance, humility and trust. Through Vantara, we give every life dignity, care and hope, guided by seva (service). Conservation is a shared dharma we must uphold today.”
Ambani’s deep-rooted passion for animals is legendary. From childhood, tales recount his tender heart: at just two years old, he reportedly rescued hens from a market, and a family trip encounter with an injured elephant profoundly shaped his commitment. Influenced by his mother’s rescues, including their first elephant Gauri, Ambani has personally overseen operations saving blinded elephants from conflicts, survivors of illegal trade, and those enduring burns or exploitation. Stories of him intervening to save orphaned rhinos and abused elephants underscore his reputation as a dedicated guardian of the wild.
The award places Ambani among elite past recipients, including US Presidents Bill Clinton and John F Kennedy, and icons like Betty White and Shirley MacLaine. GHS, operating in 59 countries and certifying welfare for billions of animals annually, highlighted Vantara’s integration of science-led programmes for species restoration.
Africa, home to critical rhino and elephant populations amid poaching threats, experts see immense potential for partnership. Xxxx , a renowned rhino conservation specialist states that : “Vantara’s scale and expertise in rehabilitation are remarkable. African wildlife institutions, from Kruger to private reserves, should pursue collaborations with Vantara – sharing knowledge on in anti-poaching, habitat restoration, and cross-border species protection could strengthen efforts to safeguard our iconic Big Five for future generations.”
As global biodiversity faces unprecedented challenges, Ambani’s accolade inspires renewed cross-continental unity in the fight for animal welfare.
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