Colombia Says Ambani’s Plan to Relocate 80 Hippos Is Not Feasible Yet

Overview

• Anant Ambani offered to move 80 of Colombia’s wild hippos to his Vantara sanctuary in India to avoid their euthanasia.
• Colombia’s environment ministry said the transfer cannot proceed because India has not formally accepted the animals or issued required permits.
• The ministry said it asked India, Ecuador, Peru, the Philippines, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and South Africa to take hippos, but replies cited legal, technical, or budget barriers.
• Mexico cited rules that block imports of invasive species, and a Philippines zoo withdrew interest due to transport costs.
• Colombia has authorized the euthanasia of 80 hippos to slow a fast‑growing invasive herd of about 200 animals that officials say damages rivers, threatens native species like manatees, and endangers local boaters and livestock.