Vantara has announced the complete composition of its newly created Governing Council, a key independent body that will oversee the organisation's conservation, rescue, rehabilitation and compliance operations.

The Council will also play a decisive role in shaping Vantara's long-term strategy and will have the final authority over any future proposals involving the import of wild animals.

Leading the six-member body is renowned environmentalist John E. Scanlon AO, former Secretary-General of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). His appointment as the independent Chair of the Council was announced in August 2026.

The Council includes former Supreme Court judge Justice Krishna Murari, wildlife conservation expert and Association of Zoos and Aquariums Executive Vice President Craig Hoover, senior Indian Forest Service officer Subhash K. Malkhede, conservation specialist Greta F. Iori, and noted wildlife veterinarian and elephant expert Dr Kushal Konwar Sarma, who will serve as an ex-officio, non-voting member.

The members have been appointed in their individual and independent capacities. Vantara employees will not be permitted to serve as voting members of the Council.

The newly established body will function as Vantara's highest governance authority, supervising its wildlife conservation and animal welfare initiatives while ensuring compliance with Indian laws, CITES regulations and other international commitments.

A major responsibility of the Council will be examining any future plans related to wildlife imports. Under Vantara's recently announced governance reforms, the organisation will not submit applications to import animals before June 5, 2027. Even after that date, any such proposal will require prior written clearance from the Governing Council following an internal due diligence process.

John Scanlon said the Council had an important responsibility in defining Vantara's future direction and ensuring that recently announced governance changes are effectively incorporated into its everyday functioning.

He said the panel brings together professionals with expertise spanning India and the international conservation community, with the shared objective of making a meaningful contribution to wildlife protection.

Vantara CEO Vivaan Karani said the independent Council would be central to maintaining high standards of accountability as the organisation expands its science-based conservation work.

According to Vantara, the formation of the Governing Council is part of a broader effort to improve transparency, strengthen internal due diligence and enhance operational standards. The organisation has also outlined plans to focus more strongly on wildlife conservation in animals' natural habitats and prioritise rescue, rehabilitation and conservation programmes within India.

The Council will regularly assess Vantara's progress in implementing commitments made to India's CITES Management Authority in August 2026. It will work alongside other newly established oversight mechanisms, including a CITES Due Diligence Committee, an Advisory Board, the Special Director and the Office of Compliance and Due Diligence.

Vantara also plans to deepen engagement with the wider conservation community. The Governing Council will explore ways to create an ongoing platform for conservationists and stakeholders to share their expertise, concerns and recommendations.

Based in Gujarat, Vantara is a not-for-profit organisation involved in animal rescue, treatment, rehabilitation and long-term care. Its conservation initiatives include both work within animals' natural habitats and programmes aimed at supporting the recovery of wildlife populations through conservation breeding and rewilding efforts.