Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Vantara Names Former CITES Chief John Scanlon Independent Chair
Vantara has created a new group to help oversee its work with animals and wildlife.
It chose John E. Scanlon AO to lead this group.
The group has five members and will make sure Vantara follows proper conservation and animal-care practices.
It will also have final authority over decisions to acquire animals.
Scanlon previously studied Vantara independently and gave it recommendations.
Vantara says it will follow all of those recommendations.
The organization also plans to focus more on helping protect animals in their natural homes.
Scanlon has worked around the world on wildlife conservation and environmental protection.
Vantara appointed John E. Scanlon AO as inaugural chair of its five-member Governing Council.
The council will oversee conservation, animal care and rehabilitation, compliance, and animal-acquisition decisions.
Scanlon previously provided Vantara with an independent report and recommendations after visits beginning later in the year referenced as April.
Vantara says it will implement Scanlon’s recommendations and strengthen its internal governance and due-diligence processes.
The organization plans to shift from primarily ex situ rescue toward supporting conservation efforts in countries including India.
- Who
- Vantara and John E. Scanlon AO, the appointed chair of Vantara’s new Governing Council.
- What
- Vantara established a five-member Governing Council and appointed Scanlon as its inaugural independent chair.
- When
- The announcement does not give a specific date; it says Scanlon was first approached in April of the year referenced.
- Where
- The council will oversee Vantara’s operations, with the organization describing its work and intended influence as global and including support to countries such as India.
- Why
- Vantara says the appointment will help implement recommendations, strengthen governance and due diligence, and support a shift toward in situ conservation.
- Appointee
- John E. Scanlon AO
- Position
- Inaugural independent chair of Vantara’s five-member Governing Council
- Council responsibilities
- Conservation, care and rehabilitation, compliance, and final decisions on animal acquisitions
- Prior assignment
- Scanlon was engaged to prepare an independent report and recommendations on Vantara
- Planned operational shift
- Vantara says it will pivot from ex situ rescue toward in situ support, including in India
- Professional background
- Scanlon is a lawyer who has held roles in government, the private sector, the United Nations, international institutions and nonprofit organizations
- Australian honor
- He received the Officer of the Order of Australia in 2019 for service to wildlife conservation and protection