Indian billionaire heir Anant Ambani offers to take in 80 ‘cocaine hippos’ that Colombia wants to cull
CNN
Last updated: April 29, 2026
Anant Ambani, son of Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani, has offered to relocate approximately 80 "cocaine hippos" from Colombia to his wildlife sanctuary in India. This offer comes as Colombia is grappling with the ecological and logistical challenges posed by these invasive animals, originally brought to the country illegally by drug lord Pablo Escobar.
- The hippos, descendants of a small group illegally imported by Pablo Escobar in the 1980s, have become a significant ecological concern in Colombia.
- These animals are considered an invasive species, posing threats to native wildlife and potentially local communities due to their size and aggressive nature.
- The Colombian government has been exploring options for managing the growing hippo population, which has expanded beyond its initial confines.
- Ambani's offer involves relocating these hippos to his Green Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Jamnagar, India.
- This sanctuary is known for housing a large number of rescued animals and is equipped to handle diverse species.
- The proposed move aims to provide a controlled environment for the hippos, alleviating the pressure on Colombia's ecosystems and finding a long-term solution for their management.
- The relocation process is expected to be complex, requiring significant logistical planning and international cooperation.
- The potential impact of introducing these large mammals into a new ecosystem also requires careful consideration.
