Anant Ambani, son of Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani, has formally requested Colombia's government to allow the relocation of 80 hippos descended from those originally imported by drug lord Pablo Escobar. The animals, now considered an invasive species, have been deemed a threat to local ecosystems and communities along the Magdalena River. Ambani proposes transporting the hippos to his Vantara wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat, India, where they would receive lifelong care.
The hippos, originally brought to Colombia in the 1980s, have multiplied rapidly due to the absence of natural predators and suitable habitat conditions. Colombian authorities have previously considered culling the herd, citing their destructive impact on native wildlife and dangerous encounters with humans. Vantara, one of the world's largest wildlife rescue centers, already houses hundreds of elephants, tigers, lions, and other species.
Environmentalists in Colombia argue that the hippos, now the largest herd outside Africa, have displaced native fauna and disrupted local ecosystems. Fishing communities report attacks by the massive animals, which can weigh up to three tonnes. The Colombian government has not yet responded to Ambani's proposal, which includes a detailed plan for the animals' relocation and care. The cost of transporting the hippos overseas is estimated at $3.5 million.
Critics have raised concerns about Vantara's capacity to accommodate additional species, particularly endangered ones. The sanctuary faced protests last year after relocating an ailing elephant. Despite these concerns, Ambani's offer presents an alternative to culling the hippos, aligning with Vantara's stated mission to protect life wherever possible.