Ambani asks Colombia to spare Escobar's hippos

Anant Ambani, son of Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani, has formally requested the Colombian government to halt its planned culling of hippos descended from animals introduced to the South American nation by drug kingpin Pablo Escobar in the 1980s. The younger Ambani submitted a detailed proposal on April 28 to relocate approximately 80 hippos to his Vantara animal centre in Gujarat, India, describing it as a "safe, scientifically-led translocation" that would give the animals a permanent new home rather than face death. The hippos, which can weigh up to several tonnes and are native only to Africa, have proliferated along Colombia's Magdalena River since Escobar's death in 1993, attacking fishermen and causing environmental damage that prompted authorities to consider culling them. Vantara, located adjacent to the Reliance Jamnagar Refinery Complex — claimed to be the world's largest crude oil refinery — bills itself as one of the world's largest wildlife rescue, care and conservation centres. According to India's Central Zoo Authority, the facility already houses hundreds of elephants, 50 bears, 160 tigers, 200 lions, 250 leopards and 900 crocodiles, among other species. Ambani's proposal outlines a veterinary-led capture and transport operation, as well as the creation of a "purpose-designed naturalistic setting" for the hippos. "These 80 hippos did not choose where they were born, nor did they create the circumstances they now face," Ambani said in a statement. "They are living, sentient beings, and if we have the ability to save them through a safe and humane solution, we have a responsibility to try." The offer comes as experts have repeatedly raised concerns about Vantara's massive animal intake, including the import of critically endangered and rare species. Escobar originally imported three female hippos and one male to his private estate at Hacienda Napoles in Puerto Triunfo, Colombia. The animals thrived in the lush river banks after his 1993 death, with their population expanding to hundreds. While some hippos have been relocated to Mexico and other countries, Colombia's environment minister announced in 2023 that the government would move ahead with culling the hippos due to their environmental impact, with scientists estimating the population could grow to over 1,000 within a decade if left unchecked.