US: Anant Ambani, founder of the wildlife conservation initiative Vantara, has been honoured with the Global Humanitarian Award for Animal Welfare by the Global Humane Society, the international arm of the American Humane Society. With this recognition, Ambani has become the youngest and the first Asian recipient of the prestigious award.

The honour was presented at an international gathering of global leaders dedicated to wildlife conservation, animal rescue and welfare, acknowledging Ambani’s evidence-based conservation programmes, science-driven animal welfare initiatives and long-term efforts to protect vulnerable species worldwide. The award is reserved for individuals whose lifelong work creates a transformative, global impact for both animals and people.

Ambani was recognised for his visionary leadership in establishing Vantara, a large-scale wildlife conservation centre redefining global standards in rescue, rehabilitation, species restoration and biodiversity protection. Accepting the award, Ambani said:

“I thank the Global Humane Society for this honour. For me, it reaffirms a timeless principle, sarva bhuta hita, the well-being of all beings. Animals teach us balance, humility and trust. Through Vantara, our purpose is to give every life dignity, care and hope, guided by the spirit of seva. Conservation is not for tomorrow; it is a shared dharma we must uphold today.”

Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of Global Humane Society, praised Ambani’s contribution, saying:

“Vantara receiving the Global Humane Certified distinction reflected not only excellence in care, but a profound dedication to giving every animal dignity, healing and hope. And there is no greater champion of that vision than Anant Ambani, whose leadership has set a new global standard for compassion in action," as quoted in a press note.

"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 of healing. The ambition, scale, and heart behind Vantara have set a new benchmark for what modern animal welfare can look like.”

The Global Humanitarian Award, considered one of the highest honours in animal welfare, has previously been conferred upon film legends Shirley MacLaine, John Wayne and Betty White, and former US Presidents John F Kennedy and Bill Clinton, among other global changemakers.

According to the press note, Vantara’s conservation model integrates both ex situ and in situ initiatives, combining care for animals outside their natural habitat with protection within native ecosystems. The centre focuses on reviving threatened species, rebuilding declining wildlife populations and reintroducing endangered animals into the wild, supported by scientific research, habitat restoration and global conservation partnerships.

With its mission to contribute to global biodiversity and secure the long-term survival of endangered species, Vantara is increasingly being viewed as a path-breaking model in international wildlife conservation.

ANI inputs