Think former Supreme Court Justice, global CITES chief, and elephant surgeons. Why does this matter? Because this council not only oversees animal rescue and rehab; it now holds the final say on importing wild animals into India. No application after June 2027 can move without their written approval. That’s a big shift. The council’s chair? John E. Scanlon AO; the man who ran global wildlife trade policy. Add to that Justice Krishna Murari, who’ll ensure legal accountability, and vets like Kushal Sarma, who’ve treated elephants in the wild. This isn’t just about paperwork. It’s about rewriting how wildlife protection works; with checks, balance, and real expertise. If you care about conservation, this is the body to watch.