Mumbai (Commonwealth Union)_Indian businessman Anant Ambani has made a bold offer to save a herd of hippos in Colombia that are descendants of infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar. The animals, now estimated to number around 200, have multiplied rapidly over the years and are now considered an invasive species in the region. Authorities recently approved a plan to euthanize 80 of them to control the population. Ambani, however, is offering a different path. He has proposed relocating the animals to India instead of killing them.
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Ambani’s wildlife rescue organization, Vantara, has formally asked Colombian officials to reconsider their decision and explore a more humane alternative. The group says it is prepared to manage the entire process from transportation and veterinary care to long-term rehabilitation. The hippos live near Hacienda Nápoles, once Escobar’s private estate and now a popular tourist destination. Originally brought to Colombia in the 1980s, the animals have adapted well to the local environment, leading to a population boom. Experts warn that without intervention, their numbers could exceed 500 within the next decade.
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The situation has ignited a debate across Colombia. Environmental scientists say the hippos are destroying ecosystems and could pose a threat to nearby communities. Animal rights groups are against culling, saying the animals should not be punished for circumstances beyond their control. Some local residents are also concerned that removing the hippos could affect tourism in towns like Puerto Triunfo. Ambani’s proposal includes relocating the animals to his large sanctuary in Gujarat, western India, where Vantara already houses rescued elephants, primates, and other wildlife. In a statement, he emphasized that the animals did not choose their situation and deserve a chance for survival if a safe solution is taken.
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The initiative has also drawn attention because of Ambani’s background. He is the youngest son of Mukesh Ambani, one of the world’s wealthiest individuals and head of Reliance Industries. The family’s influence extends across energy, telecommunications, and other major sectors of India’s economy. While discussions are still ongoing, Colombian authorities have yet to decide whether to accept the relocation plan. If approved, it would mark one of the most ambitious wildlife transfer efforts in recent history, potentially offering a rare solution that balances ecological concerns with animal welfare.
