The heir to an Indian billionaire has offered to take in over 80 hippopotamuses linked to the infamous Colombian drug lord to prevent their culling, amid ongoing debates between wildlife conservation and ecosystem protection efforts.
Anant Ambani, heir to Mukesh Ambani's fortune, has offered to care for 80 hippopotamuses from Colombia after the government announced plans to cull the animals to reduce ecological damage.
These hippos descend from four individuals imported by Pablo Escobar, the notorious drug lord, into his private zoo in the 1980s. They have since bred rapidly, reaching around 160 in number and becoming an invasive species threatening native wildlife. The name "hippopotamus cocaine" does not refer to a species but stems from Escobar’s drug money used to import them.
Previously, the Colombian government announced plans to cull 80 hippos, sparking heavy criticism. Ambani called for reconsideration, noting the animals did not choose their existence nor caused their situation. He expressed a willingness to provide safe and humane care if capable.
Ambani proposed relocating all the hippos to the "Vantara" wildlife sanctuary in Jamnagar, Gujarat, India, which cares for over 150,000 animals from more than 2,000 species.
The sanctuary is designed to mimic natural habitats and provides lifelong care with a philosophy of causing no harm to any living creature.
Officials at the sanctuary confirmed readiness to comply with international laws regarding permits, transport, and biosecurity, pending approval from the Colombian government.
Colombian Environment Minister Irene Vélez Torres stated that culling is necessary because if left unchecked, the hippo population could reach 500 by 2030, threatening native species such as freshwater manatees and turtles. Authorities had previously sought alternatives like relocating hippos abroad but faced legal and logistical obstacles.
Since 2022, hippos have been officially classified as an invasive alien species in Colombia, enabling the government to implement population control measures.
: SourceCNN
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