Anant Mukesh Ambani, Executive Director of Reliance Industries Limited and founder of the Vantara wildlife conservation project, has appealed to the Colombian government to stop its plan to lethally remove 80 hippopotamuses from the Magdalena River basin. Ambani has proposed a humane alternative: relocating the animals to Vantara’s expansive conservation facility in Jamnagar, Gujarat. 

The plea was issued through a formal letter addressed to Irene Vélez Torres, Colombia’s Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, requesting that authorities pause the authorised cull and assess the possibility of a scientifically managed translocation.

Appeal for a humane, science-led alternative

In his communication, Ambani stressed the ethical responsibility to consider non-lethal solutions for the animals, which form part of a larger population of roughly 200 hippos that originated from a small group introduced in the 1980s.

“These eighty hippos did not choose where they were born, nor did they create the circumstances they now face,” Ambani wrote, underscoring the need for compassion in handling the invasive species crisis.

His proposal outlines a fully funded, expert-led relocation process that would proceed under the supervision and approval of Colombian authorities at every stage.

Vantara’s offer: Transport, habitat and lifelong care

Vantara has submitted a detailed plan that includes veterinary oversight, capture and transport operations, strict biosecurity measures and a custom-designed natural habitat in Gujarat. The centre has replicated ecological features similar to the hippos’ current surroundings, ensuring the animals’ long-term wellbeing.

The offer also includes permanent care for all 80 hippos at Vantara, which spans one of the world’s largest wildlife rescue and conservation complexes.

Ambani has formally requested a suspension of the lethal order while Colombian officials review Vantara’s scientific and operational proposal, and has expressed readiness for continued collaboration to explore the relocation process.

Colombia’s invasive hippo crisis

The Magdalena River basin has seen a rapid increase in hippo numbers over recent decades. With no natural predators and ideal breeding conditions, the population has expanded sharply, prompting ecological concerns.

Authorities have labelled the animals an invasive species due to their impact on native biodiversity, ecosystems and community safety. The government recently approved the killing of 80 hippos as part of a control strategy, an action that has sparked international debate and renewed calls for non-lethal solutions.

About Vantara

Based in Jamnagar, Gujarat, Vantara operates as a major wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and conservation centre. The facility offers specialist care for elephants, big cats, primates, reptiles and other displaced or endangered species.

Vantara also collaborates with global conservation bodies and national authorities, contributing to translocation and rescue efforts worldwide.