36telugu.com online news,December9th, 2025:The Global Humane Society, the international arm of American Humane Society, has conferred the prestigious Global Humanitarian Award for Animal Welfare on Mr. Anant Ambani, the founder of the groundbreaking wildlife conservation center, Vantara.
Mr. Ambani has made history by becoming both the youngest ever recipient and the first Asian to receive this highly esteemed global recognition. The award was presented at an international event honoring leaders dedicated to animal welfare and wildlife protection.
The Global Humanitarian Award acknowledges Mr. Ambani’s leadership in establishing Vantara, a center celebrated for redefining standards in large-scale rescue, rehabilitation, and species preservation. The award is reserved for individuals whose lifelong commitment results in transformative, global impact for both animals and people.
Setting a New Global Standard
Global Humane Society selected Mr. Ambani for his visionary work, which includes evidence-based welfare programs and science-led conservation initiatives aimed at protecting vulnerable species worldwide.
Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of Global Humane Society, praised the achievement: “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 Mr. Anant Ambani, whose leadership has set a new global standard for compassion in action.”
She added that Vantara “is more than a rescue center, 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.”
Ambani Pledges Continued Commitment
Upon receiving the honor, Mr. Anant Ambani stated, “I thank Global Humane Society for this honor. For me, it reaffirms a timeless principle, sarva bhuta hita, the wellbeing of all beings. 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.”
Vantara is recognized for its unique approach, which integrates ex situ care (support outside the natural habitat) with in situ protection (efforts within native ecosystems), creating a long-term, science-led pathway for wildlife conservation. Its mission includes safeguarding threatened species and advancing science-based programs to support the reintroduction of endangered animals to their natural environments.
Distinguished List of Past Honorees
Mr. Ambani joins a distinguished lineage of past recipients, including Hollywood icons like Shirley MacLaine, John Wayne, and Betty White, as well as political figures such as US Presidents John F. Kennedy and Bill Clinton.
The event saw participation from numerous global conservation leaders, including Dr. Jon Paul Rodríguez (former Chair of IUCN Species Survival Commission) and Dr. Michael Adkesson (President and CEO of Brookfield Zoo Chicago), alongside noted Indian conservation experts.
Vantara recently achieved the rigorous Global Humane Certified™ distinction following a comprehensive and independent audit by world-leading experts, validating its commitment to the highest standards of animal welfare.