FUNPIZZA, an entity attached to MINEC, denies alleged agreements for importing hippopotamuses from Colombia

Published at: 14/05/2026 09:40 AM

The National Foundation for Zoological Parks, Zoocrearing and Aquariums (FUNPZZA), an entity attached to the Ministry of Popular Power for Ecosocialism (MINEC), reported that there is no agreement, proposal or plan related to the import of specimens of the hippopotamus species (Hippopotamus amphibius) from Colombia.

Through a statement published by MINEC on its social networks, FUNPZZA emphasized that it is unaware of the statements issued by some international non-governmental organizations, which have been replicated by some media and information portals, in relation to alleged agreements and/or proposals regarding the importation of specimens of the hippopotamus species (Hippopotamus amphibius) from Colombia, as part of strategies for the control of the overpopulation in free life that is taking place in their territory.

He also asserted that in Venezuela, the Ministry of Popular Power for Ecosocialism is the National Environmental Authority and the body most responsible for the management of biological diversity, so it constitutes the only body through which this type of activity is managed.

I affirm that from FUNPZZA to date, no plan has been implemented in this regard.

“At FUNPZZA, we continue with our commitment to strengthening conservation centers, the well-being and the conservation of our fauna,” he emphasized.

Mazo News Team