Anant Ambani, son of billionaire Mukesh Ambani, posted on social media on 28/4, addressing dozens of hippos descended from four individuals brought in by Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar. He stated, "These 80 hippos did not choose where they were born, nor did they create the circumstances they are now facing."

Anant, 31, believes these hippos are living, sentient beings that deserve a safe, humane solution. He urged the Colombian government to reconsider its decision to cull the hippos. Instead, he proposed transferring them to his rescue center for care.

Anant established the Vantara conservation center in Jamnagar, Gujarat, India. This facility cares for over 150,000 animals across more than 2,000 wild species, demonstrating its capacity for large-scale wildlife protection.

Vivaan Karani, chief executive officer of the Vantara conservation center, affirmed their readiness on Anant's behalf. Karani stated, "We are ready to receive and care for these hippos in a specially designed environment."

Hippos at Hacienda Napoles park, formerly drug lord Pablo Escobar's private estate, in Doradal, Colombia, in 4/2023. *Photo: AFP*.

In a letter to Colombia's Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, Irene Velez Torres, Vantara center leaders formally requested the Colombian government review its decision to cull the hippo population. This highlights international concern for the animals' fate.

Colombia is currently the only country outside Africa with a wild hippo population. This unique herd originated from four hippos that notorious drug lord Escobar brought in during the 1980s to establish a private zoo at his super-estate, Hacienda Napoles. Escobar was killed by police in 1993, leaving the hippos behind.

According to research from the National University of Colombia, by 2022, Escobar's hippos had grown to approximately 170 individuals roaming in the wild. These animals have expanded their territory significantly, recently being found in areas over 100 km from the former estate.

Environmental officials warn that these mammals pose a danger to local residents and compete for food and habitat with native species like manatees. However, the hippos have also become a "goldmine" for tourism, with locals organizing tours and selling related souvenirs, creating an economic dilemma.

The Colombian authorities' plan to cull the hippos faces strong opposition from animal rights activists. Congresswoman Andrea Padilla criticized the decision as "cruel" and a "lazy" solution by the government, advocating for more humane alternatives.

Ngoc Anh (According to CNN, BBC, Yahoo News)