14.04.2026 16:16
Colombia has approved a plan to euthanize some of the hippos that were brought into the country by drug lord Pablo Escobar in the 1980s and have since multiplied uncontrollably. Authorities stated that the growing population is harming the ecosystem and local communities, while the decision has drawn criticism from animal rights advocates.
The Colombian government has approved a plan that includes the culling of some of the hippos that drug lord Pablo Escobar brought to the country in the 1980s and which are now multiplying uncontrollably.
POPULATION OUT OF CONTROL
According to reports from US-based CNN, the rapidly increasing number of hippos in central Colombia is said to pose a threat to local people and damage the natural ecosystem. Colombian officials announced that under the plan, around 80 hippos could be killed.
“THERE IS NO OTHER OPTION”
Colombian Environment Minister Irene Velez stated that previously applied methods such as sterilization and relocating the animals to other areas were costly and ineffective. Velez said, "If we don't take this step, we won't be able to control the population."
REACTIONS WERE NOT DELAYED
The plan drew reactions from animal rights advocates. Senator and activist Andrea Padilla argued that the decision was "cruel" and that the animals ended up in this situation due to state neglect.
THE ONLY EXAMPLE OUTSIDE AFRICA
Colombia is the only country outside Africa with a wild hippopotamus population. Initially, four hippos brought to Escobar's private ranch, Hacienda Napoles, multiplied rapidly over the years and spread across hundreds of kilometers. As of 2022, it is estimated that there are approximately 170 hippos in the country.
ECOSYSTEM AND AGRICULTURAL AREAS AT RISK
Officials state that hippos enter agricultural areas and rivers, compete with local species, and damage the ecosystem.
On the other hand, it is also noted that in some areas, hippos have become a tourist attraction and contribute to the local economy.