Indian Billionaire's Son Offers to Care for 80 Hippos for Life After Colombia Plans to Cull Them
Indian billionaire heir Anand Ambani has offered to relocate 80 hippopotamuses from Colombia to his wildlife sanctuary in India to prevent the government from culling the invasive species, whose population has exploded since the 1980s.
Indian billionaire heir Anand Ambani has proposed adopting 80 hippopotamuses to prevent Colombia's government from culling the animals due to their rapidly growing population and environmental impact.
According to CNN on April 30, Ambani made the offer to avoid the Colombian government's plan to eliminate the hippos, which have multiplied rapidly and are damaging the local ecosystem. The hippo population was originally introduced to Colombia in the 1980s and lives in areas around the former Escobar ranch at Hacienda Nápoles, now a tourist destination. The population has grown to approximately 160 animals, with projections potentially reaching 500 by 2030 without intervention.
Ambani proposed relocating 80 hippos to a wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat, India, a project he founded and operates caring for more than 150,000 animals from over 2,000 species.
Sanctuary officials stated they are prepared to provide appropriate and safe environments for the hippos to ensure good quality of life, and confirmed they would strictly adhere to legal requirements, permits, and biosecurity measures if approved by the Colombian government.
Ambani expressed through social media: "These hippos didn't choose to be born, and they shouldn't suffer the consequences of this situation. If we have the capacity to help, we should."
Colombia's environment minister confirmed that culling some hippos is a necessary measure, as the species has been classified as an invasive species since 2022. The ministry stated that uncontrolled hippo population growth threatens native animals like manatees and freshwater turtles in the Magdalena River basin, and failure to act could cause long-term ecosystem damage.
Colombia previously considered alternatives, including relocating hippos to Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, South Africa, and India, but implementation proved difficult due to international legal restrictions and logistical challenges.
Ambani's proposal is currently under consideration, with relevant authorities assessing its feasibility, though the Colombian government has not yet issued an official response.
