Colombian "cocaine hippos" ready to be accepted in India

Scientists believe that without the culling or relocation of some animals, the hippo population in Colombia could exceed 1,400 individuals within a decade. Photo: AFP via Getty Images

This story began back in the 1980s when the notorious Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar created a large private zoo on his Hacienda Nápoles estate. He brought various exotic animals there, including elephants, giraffes, and four hippos from Africa.

After Escobar's elimination in 1993, Colombian authorities left the hippos free, as the animals were dangerous and difficult to control. Over time, they migrated to the Magdalena River basin and began to reproduce very quickly. There were no natural enemies for them in the region, the climate was suitable, and food was plentiful, so the number of animals significantly increased.

Currently, it is estimated that over 200 wild hippos live in Colombia. This is the largest population outside of Africa. The animals cause damage to the local nature: they destroy vegetation, displace local species, can attack livestock, and pose a danger to humans.

Previously, authorities tried to sterilise the hippos, but the process is too slow. Experts warned that their numbers could exceed a thousand within a few decades. Therefore, in April, Colombian authorities announced that they would begin an official cull to reduce the population. This provoked outrage among animal welfare advocates.

Against this backdrop, Anant Ambani proposed to transport some of the animals to India. He stated that hippos are living creatures, and if there is an opportunity to save them in a safe and humane way, it should be done. He also noted that the animals did not choose their birthplace and are not to blame for the situation they found themselves in.

This is not the first such offer from this individual. Back in 2023, a plan was considered to transport 60 hippos to the same centre, which was then called Green’s rescue and rehabilitation. However, the project was not implemented due to technical difficulties: it was necessary to catch large wild animals weighing about two tons each, organise transport, obtain permits, and coordinate everything between different agencies.

Ambani has now stated that he has personally approached the Colombian government with a request to allow for a scientifically organised and safe relocation of 80 hippos to a new permanent home.

However, the idea raises questions. The "Vantara" centre itself has a rather controversial reputation. It houses more than 150,000 animals, including rare species. Critics claim that some animals may have arrived there in violation of rules or through unethical means. There have also been accusations of links to illegal wildlife trade. Others call the project "a personal zoo for prestige" of the Ambani family, as ordinary people do not have access to it.

The Ambani family and the "Vantara" management deny all accusations. Last year, an investigation by India's Supreme Court found no evidence of illegal activity.

There are also practical doubts about the feasibility of this operation. Hippos do not live in India in natural conditions. Although the centre has bears, crocodiles, elephants, leopards, and tigers, there is no known experience of keeping hippos, especially 80 individuals at once. Additionally, their transport could cost more than 4 million dollars.

However, if this project is still implemented, the story of Pablo Escobar's hippos will receive yet another unexpected continuation.

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