Anant Ambani receives the Global Humanitarian Award for Animal Welfare.
PANAJI
Global Humane Society, the international arm of the American Humane Society, has presented the Global Humanitarian Award for Animal Welfare to Anant Ambani, founder of the wildlife conservation centre Vantara, in recognition of his leadership in wildlife conservation and animal welfare. Ambani is the youngest recipient and the first Asian to receive this global honour.
Widely regarded as one of the foremost international recognitions in the field of animal welfare and conservation, the award acknowledges Ambani’s leadership in evidence-based welfare programmes, science-led conservation initiatives and sustained efforts to protect vulnerable species across the world. The award is reserved for individuals whose lifelong commitment has created transformative global impact for both animals and people.
Global Humane Society selected Ambani for his visionary role in establishing Vantara, a conservation centre that has redefined large-scale rescue, rehabilitation and species preservation. His work has placed Vantara among the leading global institutions dedicated to animal welfare and conservation.
Dr Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of Global Humane Society, said that Vantara’s Global Humane Certified distinction reflected not only excellence in care but a deep commitment to ensuring dignity, healing and hope for animals. She described Ambani as a global champion of compassion in action and said that Vantara had set a new benchmark for modern animal welfare.
Accepting the award, Ambani said the recognition reaffirmed the principle of sarva bhuta hita, the well-being of all living beings. He added that animals teach balance, humility and trust, and that Vantara’s purpose is to provide dignity, care and hope to every life through the spirit of seva. He stressed that conservation is a shared responsibility that must be upheld today.
The Global Humanitarian Award has previously been conferred on a select group of visionaries, including Shirley MacLaine, John Wayne, Betty White, and former US Presidents John F Kennedy and Bill Clinton.
Founded in 1877, the American Humane Society is the United States’ oldest national humane organisation and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare. The Global Humane Certified programme involves a rigorous independent audit covering nutrition, medical care, safety, enrichment, staff training and species-specific needs.
