Newcastle University appoints Anant Ambani to sustainability professorship despite zoo controversy
Newcastle University awarded a professorship of practice in sustainability to Anant Ambani on September 14 while facing criticism from conservationists regarding his family's wildlife centre.
University cites conservation work
The university announced the appointment based on Ambani's reported contributions to biodiversity protection and animal welfare. Officials stated that his work aligns with global conservation targets and research led by the institution in northern England.
Family ties and wealth
Anant Ambani is the son of Mukesh Ambani, who owns India's largest oil refinery and leads the Reliance conglomerate. The younger Ambani manages renewable energy projects for his father's group and was recently attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his wedding.
Critics question animal sourcing
Conservation groups have raised concerns about how animals were sourced for the family's private zoo near oil refining facilities in Gujarat. The centre, which houses over 150,000 animals including lions and leopards, recently announced a reset of its procedures following acquisition concerns.
All 2 outlets report consistently
No differences in figures, names or dates across these reports.
- The Guardian
- South China Morning Post
Reported by
2 independent outlets. Headlines as published. Links open the original report.