Indian philanthropist and business leader Anant Ambani has made global history by receiving the Global Humanitarian Award from the Global Humane Society (GHS). He is now the youngest person – and the first Asian – to be honoured with this internationally respected recognition. The award ceremony held in Washington, DC highlighted Ambani’s groundbreaking work in wildlife protection through Vantara, his massive animal rescue and rehabilitation initiative in Gujarat, India.
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Vantara recently earned the highly demanding Global Humane Certified™ accreditation after independent evaluations by top veterinarians, zoologists, and animal-welfare specialists. Spread across thousands of acres, the centre has become a sanctuary for abused, abandoned, and endangered animals. It blends care provided outside natural habitats with efforts to restore ecosystems, aiming to rehabilitate animals and, where possible, return them to the wild. Among its many residents are hundreds of elephants rescued from harsh labour, circuses, and other abusive environments.
Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of GHS — the global arm of the 150-year-old American Humane Society — praised Vantara as “a sanctuary of healing” and said it has “set a new global standard for compassion in action.”
In his acceptance speech, Ambani drew from ancient Indian philosophy:
“Sarvabhutahita — the wellbeing of all living beings.”
He reflected on the lessons animals teach about balance and humility, adding, “Vantara is about giving every life dignity, care, and hope through seva (service). Conservation is a shared responsibility we must uphold.”
Ambani’s deep love for animals has been evident since childhood. Family accounts speak of him rescuing hens at age two, and a childhood encounter with an injured elephant that left a lifelong impact. Inspired by his mother’s own rescue work — including their first elephant, Gauri — Ambani has personally led missions to save elephants blinded in conflicts, victims of illegal wildlife trade, burn survivors, and other traumatized animals. His hands-on involvement in rescuing orphaned rhinos and distressed elephants has cemented his reputation as a true protector of wildlife.
By receiving this honour, Ambani joins an exclusive group of past awardees, including former U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and John F. Kennedy, and Hollywood legends like Betty White and Shirley MacLaine. The GHS, which operates in 59 countries and oversees the welfare of billions of animals annually, highlighted Vantara’s science-backed approach to species recovery as a model for the world.
Experts say Africa — home to some of the planet’s most threatened rhino and elephant populations — stands to benefit greatly from future collaboration. One renowned rhino conservation specialist noted, “Vantara’s scale and expertise in rehabilitation are extraordinary. Partnerships between African reserves and Vantara could strengthen anti-poaching strategies, habitat restoration, and long-term protection of the Big Five.”
At a time when global biodiversity is under severe threat, Ambani’s achievement serves as a powerful reminder that international cooperation and compassionate leadership are essential for securing a safer future for wildlife everywhere.
