Newcastle University faces backlash over making Anant Ambani a professor

Newcastle University is facing heavy criticism from conservationists and academic staff after appointing Anant Ambani as a professor of practice in sustainability. The university stated the honor recognizes his work in conservation, biodiversity protection, and his role leading renewable energy efforts on the Reliance Group's executive board. Anant Ambani, 31, is the son of India's richest person, Mukesh Ambani, whose fortune comes primarily from oil and gas. Anant Ambani runs Vantara, a 1,400-hectare private zoo located near the family's oil refining facilities in Gujarat. The facility houses over 150,000 animals, including 200 lions, 250 leopards, and 900 crocodiles. Conservation groups have previously raised questions about the sourcing of some animals given that many are endangered species, though Vantara has never been found guilty of any wrongdoing.

Reactions and Concerns

The appointment sparked incredulity among experts. Ramachandra Guha, an Indian public intellectual, called the choice mystifying and stated he could name between 50 and 100 individuals far better qualified. Prof Matt Perry, chair of the University and College Union branch at Newcastle, said staff members objected due to environmental concerns. Prof Lyla Mehta from the University of Sussex warned that falling public funding poses a danger of corporate money shaping academia. Lorne Stockman of Oil Change International criticized the move given the urgent need to phase out oil and gas.

Investigations and Zoo Operations

In 2025, an investigation by German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung reported that many animals arrived through opaque networks in countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the United Arab Emirates, raising trafficking concerns. An investigation by India's supreme court cleared the zoo operators of wrongdoing. However, a subsequent fact-finding mission by Cites found some import permits were likely forged and recommended import restrictions, though the decision was later reversed after objections from India, the US, and Japan. In August, the zoo appointed a former Cites head to oversee operations and paused all wildlife imports until June next year. Vantara declined to comment on the university appointment, but the family and Vantara have previously denied wildlife trafficking allegations, stating their focus is animal rescue and care. A Newcastle University spokesperson defended the award, highlighting Ambani's contributions to Vantara and the Reliance Group's transition toward a green energy future.