Vantara hosts global wildlife summit in Jamnagar, 127 institutions from 30 countries participate

Vantara hosted the 2026 annual conference of the Eurasian Regional Association of Zoos and Aquariums in Jamnagar, Gujarat, bringing together international and Indian institutions for wildlife conservation. The four-day conference took place from October 26 to 29, under the theme Strengthening Global Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation. Vantara Chief Executive Officer Vivaan Karani announced that the organisation’s ANTZ Software Platform would be provided free of cost to all Eurasian Regional Association of Zoos and Aquariums members for one year, stating, “We do not come here simply to share what we have built. We come to learn from you, collaborate with you and support your work.” Eurasian Regional Association of Zoos and Aquariums President Svetlana Akulova stressed the importance of international cooperation. Central Zoo Authority Member Secretary V. Clement Ben attended the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony alongside other experts. Participants discussed cross-border species conservation programmes, veterinary innovations, animal welfare, and a proposed global biodiversity data network, alongside the launch of the Indian Zoo Year Book 2026.

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3 Nov 2026News
Vantara brings the world’s wildlife community to Jamnagar for EARAZA annual conference 2026
Vantara hosted the Eurasian Regional Association of Zoos and Aquariums Annual Conference 2026 in Jamnagar, Gujarat, gathering global leaders, scientists, and conservationists. Vantara announced that its ANTZ Software Platform would be offered free for one year to all EARAZA members. The Central Zoo Authority participated in the event, which ran from October 26 to October 29. The meeting focused on international cooperation, animal welfare, and veterinary capacity under the theme Strengthening Global Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation. Delegates discussed cross-border protection programs for species such as the Amur tiger and great bustard, while experts shared insights on human-wildlife conflict and crisis management. Ms Svetlana Akulova stated that the gathering aimed at establishing "a global data infrastructure for biodiversity conservation". The programme included panel sessions, interactive video booths, solution stations, and an exhibition showcasing advanced veterinary technologies and conservation tools. Members also held a voting session to determine the association's direction for the coming year.
29 Oct 2026News
Vantara hosts EARAZA 2026 wildlife conservation conference
Vantara hosted the Eurasian Regional Association of Zoos and Aquariums 2026 Wildlife Conservation Conference from October 26 to 29 in Jamnagar, Gujarat, gathering zoo professionals to discuss the welfare of wildlife and captive animals. According to the conference organizers, the event brought together representatives from 98 institutions in 30 countries and 29 Indian zoos. During the inauguration, Svetlana Akulova, President of the Eurasian Regional Association of Zoos and Aquariums, stated that conservation today cannot stop at national borders and when institutions share data, expertise and responsibility, every programme becomes stronger. Vantara CEO Vivaan Karani announced that the ANTZ Software Platform will be offered free to all members of the Eurasian Regional Association of Zoos and Aquariums for one year to facilitate data exchange and management. Participants examined cross-border programmes for species such as the Amur tiger, Oriental stork and great bustard, and discussed animal-welfare outcomes, veterinary capacity building and human-wildlife conflict. Dr V. Clement Ben, Member Secretary of the Central Zoo Authority, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, said the gathering helps raise standards of animal welfare and strengthen regional cooperation, and the conference will continue discussions to set collaborative priorities for the coming year.
3 Nov 2026News
UK ministers told not to engage formally with Indian mega zoo after lobbying
UK government officials advised ministers against formal engagement with the Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, a private mega-zoo housing numerous wild animals in Jamnagar, Gujarat. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office diplomats issued this guidance after lobbying by representatives of the facility in Jamnagar, Gujarat. Internal documents showed that officials cautioned against providing a formal platform to the project. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office stated that the facility has acquired species including elephants and leopards for its operations. Officials raised concerns that ministerial involvement could be seen as an official endorsement of the private entity. An internal communication stated that "we should avoid any formal ministerial engagement" to maintain distance from the project. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office recommended that future interactions be limited to technical or informal levels instead of high-level diplomatic support. No hearing or investigation was mentioned.

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Vantara hosts global wildlife summit in Jamnagar, 127 institutions from 30 countries participate

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More in Performing and Captive Animals

Vantara brings the world’s wildlife community to Jamnagar for EARAZA annual conference 2026

Vantara hosts EARAZA 2026 wildlife conservation conference

UK ministers told not to engage formally with Indian mega zoo after lobbying

From the Library

45 live reptiles seized at Trichy airport, 2 arrested

NHAI document on wildlife crossings on highways

86 live tokay geckos seized in Assam, two arrested