An Indian billionaire has proposed relocating 80 hippos from Colombia to a conservation center in India to prevent them from being culled. The initiative comes amid controversy over the Colombian government’s decision to apply euthanasia to some of these animals, which are considered an invasive species threatening the ecosystems of the Magdalena Medio region.
The offer, which includes covering transportation costs and guaranteeing their care, has opened up a new possibility in a debate that seemed headed toward a drastic solution.
The proposal places at the center of the discussion an alternative that seeks to reconcile environmental urgency with animal protection. The hippos, descendants of specimens introduced by drug trafficker Pablo Escobar in the 1980s, have reproduced uncontrollably for decades.
There are now more than a hundred of them, and their impact on fauna, flora, and water sources has raised alarms among authorities.
An Indian billionaire wants to take Pablo Escobar’s hippos from Colombia
Amid the controversy over what to do with these animals—and following the government’s decision to apply euthanasia to a large number of them to prevent their spread—the proposal from the Indian businessman emerged, suggesting the relocation of 80 hippos to a sanctuary in the state of Gujarat, in western India.
The proposal by Anant Ambani, a member of a family with significant economic power in Asia and an executive at the conglomerate Reliance Industries, includes building suitable facilities to house the animals and ensure their long-term well-being.
“These eighty hippos did not choose where they were born, nor did they create the circumstances they now face. They are living, sentient beings, and if we have the possibility to save them through a safe and humane solution, we have the responsibility to try,” the businessman said in a statement addressed to the Colombian government.
The initiative includes the logistics to capture, transport, and adapt the hippos to their new environment—a complex process that would require international coordination and health permits. According to the proposal, the goal is to offer a solution that avoids culling while also reducing pressure on Colombian ecosystems.
Although the idea has been received with interest, it also raises questions. Experts warn that relocating large animals involves risks both for the hippos and for the people involved in the process. Additionally, concerns have emerged about the project’s long-term viability and its impact on the receiving ecosystem.
Colombian authorities have stated that any alternative must meet strict technical, environmental, and health criteria. They also stress that the problem requires urgent solutions, given the steady growth of the hippo population.
Family photo with our beloved PM @narendramodi ji 🙏 pic.twitter.com/s5H4yBL7BG
— Anant Ambani ↗️ (@AmbaniKaVansaj) July 16, 2024
The controversial hippos in Colombia
What began as a symbol of excess has turned into a structural problem. After Escobar’s death in 1993, the animals were left without control at the former Hacienda Napoles and began to spread throughout the region. With no natural predators and favorable conditions, the population grew at an accelerated rate.
Experts have warned that hippos alter water quality by changing oxygen and nutrient levels, affecting fish and other species. In addition, their territorial behavior makes them potentially dangerous to rural communities. As their numbers increase, so does the pressure on local ecosystems.
Faced with this scenario, environmental authorities chose to authorize the controlled culling of some specimens. The decision is based on studies warning that, without intervention, the population could grow exponentially in the coming decades.
However, the measure has generated significant backlash. Activists and international organizations argue that less aggressive alternatives exist, such as sterilization or relocation. They also point out that mass euthanasia could damage the country’s image in terms of animal protection.
Who is Anant Ambani?
According to The Times, the Ambani family is considered one of the most influential in India, with decisive power in both economic and social spheres. Their position is so dominant that an invitation from this clan is often interpreted as an obligation, reflecting their weight within the country’s hierarchy.
In fact, according to the outlet Tatler, Anant Ambani is the heir to a family fortune valued at around US$118 billion. The youngest of the Ambani siblings, he studied at Brown University before joining Reliance Industries, where he works alongside his siblings Isha and Akash.
He currently serves as a non-executive director and is actively involved in strategic planning, particularly in the expansion and transformation of the group’s energy business.
His notoriety also stems from his marriage to Radhika Merchant in 2024, an event that drew global attention for its scale and opulence. The celebration involved spending close to US$600 million, making it the most expensive wedding ever recorded, surpassing even historical benchmarks such as that of Princess Diana.
The event brought together prominent international figures, including Hillary Clinton, as well as leaders of major technology companies. Among the most talked-about aspects was a private performance by Rihanna, reportedly paid around US$9 million. The logistics included award-winning chefs and renowned artists, reinforcing the image of extreme luxury that defined the entire celebration.