Colombian authorities plan to reduce the population of 80 feral hippos descended from a group originally introduced by Pablo Escobar. The late drug lord imported four hippos in the 1980s for his private zoo, leading to their uncontrolled reproduction and spread throughout Colombia. Recent estimates suggest there are approximately 170 hippos in the country. Concerns have arisen due to encounters with villagers, prompting the government to initiate a culling operation to safeguard the local environment and communities.
Environment Minister Irene Vélez highlighted the failure of past population control measures, such as sterilization and relocation to zoos, citing the necessity of culling to manage the hippo population effectively. Competition for resources with native species like river manatees further justifies the need for action, despite opposition from animal welfare advocates like Senator Andrea Padilla.
The hippos, officially recognized as an invasive species in 2022, have posed a challenge for authorities, who tried unsuccessfully to neuter them due to the high costs involved. Despite the risks they pose, the hippos have become a tourist attraction, with nearby residents offering hippo-themed tours and souvenirs. Returning the hippos to their African habitat is deemed impractical due to genetic concerns and disease risks.
Hacienda Nápoles, Escobar’s former estate housing the zoo, now operates as a theme park after being seized by the Colombian government. Escobar, known as “The King of Cocaine,” was a notorious criminal and one of the wealthiest individuals in history before his death in 1993. His legacy, including a Netflix series, continues to captivate audiences worldwide.