Washington DC/New Delhi. Global Humane Society, the international brand of ‘American Humane Society’, America’s oldest and largest national organization for animal welfare, has honored Anant Ambani, founder of Reliance Industries’ ‘Vantara’, with the ‘Global Humanitarian Award for Animal Welfare’. This is a historic achievement as Anant Ambani becomes the youngest person and the first Asian to receive this prestigious global honour. He was given this honor at a grand international ceremony held in Washington DC, which was attended by many luminaries from all over the world dedicated to wildlife conservation and animal welfare.
The new global standard in animal welfare is considered one of the world’s foremost honors in the field of animal welfare and conservation. The award recognizes Anant Ambani’s leadership and sustained efforts in leading evidence-based wellness programs, science-based conservation initiatives and saving endangered species around the world. The award is reserved for individuals whose lifetime commitment has created a transformative, global impact for both animals and people.
Honor received for Vantara
Global Humane Society has selected Anant Ambani for his visionary leadership in establishing ‘Vantara’. Vantara has changed the definition of rescue, rehabilitation and species conservation on a large scale. His compassion and unwavering dedication to animal welfare puts him among the elite of previous winners of this award. His work is shaping the future of conservation not only in India but around the world.
Vantara sets a new standard of compassion
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of Global Humane Society, said, “VanTara receiving ‘Global Humane Certified’ status reflects not only excellence in care, but also a deep commitment to providing every animal with dignity, treatment and hope. And there is no greater champion of this vision than Anant Ambani, whose leadership has set a new global standard for ‘compassion in action.’ Setting a new standard, Vantara represents one of the most extraordinary commitments to animal welfare anywhere in the world… It is more than a rescue centre, it is a sanctuary for healing. The ambition, scale and spirit behind Vantara has set a new benchmark for what modern animal welfare can be.
Conservation is not for tomorrow, it is the religion of today: Anant Ambani
Receiving the Anant Ambani Award, Vantara founder Anant Ambani said, I thank the Global Humane Society for this honour. For me, this affirms an eternal principle ‘Sarva Bhoota Hit’ (welfare of all beings). Animals teach us balance, humility and trust. Through Vantara, we aim to give dignity, care and hope to every life, guided by the spirit of ‘Seva’. Conservation is not for tomorrow; This is a common religion which we have to follow today itself.”
Name included in the list of veterans
Over the years, the ‘Global Humanitarian Award’ has been given only to a select few visionaries who changed the course of animal welfare through their leadership. Previous honorees include Hollywood legends such as Shirley MacLaine, John Wayne and Betty White. Also, former US President John F. Prominent political leaders like Kennedy and Bill Clinton have also received this honor.
Vantara got recognition after strict audit
‘The Global Humane Certified program is one of the most rigorous and meaningful certifications of animal welfare in the world. To receive this status, Vanatara completed a comprehensive and independent audit conducted by world-class experts in animal welfare, behavioral science, veterinary medicine and ethics. The specialty of Vanatara is that it combines ‘ex situ’ (care outside the natural habitat) with ‘in situ’ (conservation within the natural ecosystem), creating a long-term, science-based approach to wildlife conservation. The event was attended by many leading figures in global wildlife conservation, including former IUCN Chair Dr. John Paul Rodriguez, Matt James of Colossal Biosciences, and CEOs of several major US zoos. Apart from this, Dr. Neelam Khaire, Dr. V.B. Prakash and Dr. K.K. Renowned Indian conservation experts like Sarma, who has made significant contributions to wildlife research in India, were also present.
Global Humane Society, America’s oldest and most prestigious organization
American Humane Society’s international brand. For the last 150 years, this organization has been playing the role of a ‘scientific guardian’ in the field of animal welfare. It is the world’s largest animal welfare certification organization, which ensures the safety and humane treatment of more than 1.5 billion animals in 59 countries every year. The president and CEO of the organization is Dr. Robin Ganzert. The historical prestige of this institution can be gauged from the fact that many Presidents of America have been associated with it. Former Presidents Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush has been honored by this organization for his conservation and humanitarian work, while William Howard Taft has also been its officer. This organization remains the voice of the voiceless, from the battlefields of the First World War to modern climate change.
