Vantara works with lobbyist tied to Trump Jr. and pro-hunting groups
Checkmate Government Relations, a lobbying firm founded by a hunting friend of Donald Trump Jr., recently represented Vantara, a controversial private Indian zoo that has been in the spotlight over the questionable origins of some of its more than 150,000 animals, which include protected and endangered species. Tristan Breijer, the head of the U.S.-based lobby […]
Checkmate Government Relations, a lobbying firm founded by a hunting acquaintance of Donald Trump Jr., recently represented Vantara, a controversial private Indian zoo that has garnered attention due to the questionable origins of its over 150,000 animals, many of which are protected and endangered species. Tristan Breijer, head of Checkmate’s London office, sent an unsolicited email "representing the Vantara initiative in the United Kingdom" prior to July, according to an anonymous source. Breijer is a lobbyist with a history of advocating for pro-hunting groups in Europe.
Vantara is an expansive private zoo covering 3,000 acres, roughly four times the size of New York City's Central Park. It is operated by Anant Ambani, son of Asia's wealthiest man, Mukesh Ambani. The zoo, which touts itself as an animal rescue facility housing around 2,000 species, faced scrutiny after media reports revealed potential illegal acquisition of endangered animals.
An article by CITES, the global treaty governing international trade in endangered wildlife, pointed out irregularities in some of Vantara's animal imports. Despite these allegations, Vantara has denied any wrongdoing, and India's top court dismissed similar claims following an investigation last year.
In an email allegedly sent by Breijer, he extended an invitation for a roundtable meeting hosted by Vantara on the sidelines of the Animals...
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