Indian Businessman's Son Offers to Relocate Colombia's Invasive Hippos

An Indian businessman's son has offered to relocate hippos in Colombia that are slated for culling. Anant Ambani, son of Mukesh Ambani, stated he formally requested the Colombian government to allow the translocation of the animals. The hippos are descendants of those imported by Pablo Escobar in the 1980s.

The animals, numbering about 80, live along the Magdalena River and have been declared an invasive species by Colombian authorities. Experts state that sterilization efforts are insufficient to control their population growth. The hippos have attacked fishermen and affected local wildlife, including fish, manatees, otters, and turtles.

Anant Ambani proposed moving the hippos to Vantara, an animal center in Gujarat, India. Vantara houses hundreds of elephants, 50 bears, 160 tigers, 200 lions, 250 leopards, and 900 crocodiles, according to India's Central Zoo Authority. The center is located near the Reliance Jamnagar Refinery Complex.

The proposal includes a veterinary-led capture and transport process, along with creating a naturalistic setting for the hippos. A statement from Vantara indicated the center has the expertise and infrastructure for the effort. Anant Ambani added that the hippos are sentient beings deserving a humane solution.

Pablo Escobar imported the hippos to his private zoo, and after his death, they established a population in Colombia's rivers. The animals are native to Africa and can weigh several tons. Colombian officials have considered transferring hippos to overseas sanctuaries, but the estimated cost is $3.5 million.

Animal welfare activists in Colombia oppose culling the hippos, stating it sets a poor example in a country with a history of internal conflict. Independent journalist Audrey Huse told CBS News that the hippos consume large amounts of grassland and produce waste that poisons rivers.

She noted their lack of natural predators has led to population growth affecting the ecosystem.

Last October, Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced the handover of part of Escobar's ranch to women affected by the nation's armed conflict. The ranch, now a theme park, includes the hippos as an attraction. Experts have expressed concerns about Vantara's intake of animals, including an incident involving the relocation of an ailing elephant last year.