Colombia’s environment ministry has moved to cull roughly 80 hippos this year, after a herd descended from four animals smuggled by Pablo Escobar swelled to about 200 and begun ravaging the Magdalena River wetlands. Facing international criticism, the government opened a search for relocation partners, prompting Indian billionaire Anant Ambani to propose moving the animals to his private sanctuary in Gujarat.

Vantara spans 3,500 acres on Gujarat’s scrub and houses a collection of exotic species that critics label a private zoo. Ambani’s team frames the plan as a “scientifically led translocation” under India’s wildlife protection rules, though experts question whether the facility qualifies as a conservation centre. Colombia’s minister noted six nations were approached, but CITES restrictions have blocked Mexico, leaving India as the viable option.

Ambani’s offer dovetails with his family’s $100 billion empire built around Reliance Industries and the world’s largest oil refinery, positioning the deal as both a PR coup and a revenue stream from tourism at Vantara. If the translocation proceeds, India will handle transport logistics for a large African megafauna shipment, setting a precedent for future wildlife exchanges that intersect with corporate branding and government approval.