Indian magnate Anant Ambani, son of billionaire Mukesh Ambani, has offered to take in 80 of Colombia's so-called 'cocaine hippos' at his wildlife sanctuary in India, as the Colombian government plans to cull them. The hippos are descendants of animals introduced to the country in the 1980s by drug lord Pablo Escobar, who sought to create one of Latin America's largest private zoos.
Since then, the hippo population has exploded to around 160 individuals, endangering native species. A few weeks ago, Colombia announced plans to cull 80 of these animals, sparking debate. Ambani asked the government to reconsider, proposing to house them at his rescue center, Vantara, in Jamnagar, Gujarat, which houses over 150,000 animals from more than 2,000 species.
“These 80 hippos did not choose where to be born, nor did they create the circumstances they now face,” Ambani said in a social media post. “These animals are living, sentient beings, and if we have the capacity to save them through a safe and humane solution, we have the responsibility to try.”
In a letter to Colombia's Minister of Environment, Irene Vélez Torres, Vantara CEO Vivaan Karani offered “lifetime” care for the hippos under the principle of “causing no harm to any living being.” The proposal includes strict adherence to approvals, permits, biosecurity, and logistical planning. Vantara authorities said they are fully available for dialogue with the Colombian government.
Colombia's decision to cull 80 hippos stems from the invasive species' uncontrolled growth in the Magdalena River basin. Minister Vélez stated that without action, the population could reach at least 500 by 2030, affecting ecosystems and native species like the manatee and river turtle. Earlier, Colombia explored relocating hippos to other countries but faced international restrictions and operational limitations.
