Reliance executive proposes relocating 80 hippos to Gujarat’s Vantara amid global conservation concerns
April 28, 2026: Anant Mukesh Ambani has urged Colombian authorities to reconsider plans to cull dozens of hippopotamuses, offering a humane alternative through relocation. The proposal comes after officials approved the killing of 80 hippos in the Magdalena River due to ecological concerns. In a letter to Irene Vélez Torres, Ambani suggested safely capturing and relocating the animals to Vantara, with full scientific, logistical, and financial support.
Emphasising compassion, Ambani said the animals are “living, sentient beings” who deserve a chance at survival. The proposed plan includes specialised veterinary care, advanced transport systems, and strict biosecurity protocols to ensure the safety of both the animals and ecosystems involved. Vantara has also committed to creating a habitat in Jamnagar that closely mirrors the hippos’ natural environment, minimising disruption to their behaviour.
Ambani highlighted that conservation goals and community safety can coexist through careful planning and scientific intervention. Vantara has requested Colombia to pause the culling decision until the relocation proposal is fully assessed. The initiative would require approvals from both governments and international bodies, reflecting a broader push for humane, collaborative solutions to global wildlife challenges.