Ambani said the hippos did not choose their situation.
"These 80 hippos did not choose where they were born, nor did they create the circumstances they now face," he said.
He added that if a safe and humane solution is possible, people have a responsibility to try.
Vantara said every life matters and that protecting animals should always be a priority.
Why Colombia wants action
Escobar illegally imported several hippos to his private zoo decades ago. After his death in 1993, the animals were left behind.
They adapted well to Colombia's warm climate and began breeding quickly.
Today, their numbers have grown sharply. Officials say the hippos damage river ecosystems, compete with native species and can be dangerous to humans. There have also been reports of attacks on fishermen.
Because of these concerns, Colombia has been looking for ways to control the population.
-
US Marines board merchant ship in Arabian Sea suspected to be headed to Iran
-
Caught On Camera: Teacher Brutally Beats 17 Students Over Homework, Sparks Massive Outrage
-
Labour MPs have just chosen to become part of the Peter Mandelson 'cover-up'
-
West Bengal Assembly Elections: Major Arms and Explosives Seized Ahead of Polls
-
Colleen Hoover's 'Verity' Set for Film Adaptation: What to Expect from the Star-Studded Cast
