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Billionaire Offers Sanctuary for Escobar's Hippos
28 Apr
Summary
- Indian billionaire's son offered to relocate 80 hippos.
- Hippos are descendants of animals introduced by Pablo Escobar.
- The animals have caused havoc in Colombian rivers.
Anant Ambani, son of Indian tycoon Mukesh Ambani, has proposed a solution for Colombia's growing hippo population, which originated from animals brought by drug lord Pablo Escobar in the 1980s. The 80 hippos, now considered a threat to local ecosystems and residents in Colombian rivers, face a potential cull.
Ambani has formally requested the Colombian government to allow a "safe, scientifically-led translocation" of these animals to his Vantara animal centre in Gujarat, India. This facility is described as one of the world's largest wildlife rescue and conservation centres.
Vantara boasts extensive infrastructure and expertise, housing hundreds of elephants, bears, tigers, lions, leopards, and crocodiles. Ambani's proposal includes a detailed plan for veterinary-led capture and transport, ensuring a humane solution for the hippos.
He emphasized the sentient nature of the animals, stating a responsibility to provide a safe haven if possible. The proposal highlights Vantara's capacity to support the effort entirely on Colombia's terms, offering a unique resolution to a complex ecological and security issue.
