Colombia plans to cull Pablo Escobar's 'cocaine hippos' due to ecosystem threat

The Colombian government plans to cull up to 80 hippos, brought into the country by drug lord Pablo Escobar, due to the threat to the environment and uncontrolled population growth. This is reported by the BBC, writes UNN.

Details

This refers to animals that Escobar kept in a private zoo in the 1980s. After his death, the hippos remained on the territory of the former "Hacienda Nápoles" and eventually spread throughout the Magdalena River basin.

According to scientists, there may currently be up to 250 such animals in Colombia. Without intervention, their numbers could exceed 1,400 individuals within the next decade.

If we don't do this, we won't be able to control the population

Environmental threat

Experts consider hippos an invasive species that has no natural enemies in Colombia. This allows them to reproduce rapidly and affect the ecosystem – in particular, change the chemical composition of water, displace local species, and threaten fishing.

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The animals also pose a potential danger to people.

Animal rights activists and some politicians opposed the culling. Senator Andrea Padilla called the decision "cruel."

I will never support killing healthy creatures

Alternatives and difficulties

Among the alternatives considered is sterilization, but it is a complex and expensive procedure. According to experts, operations can cost up to 50 thousand dollars and are dangerous due to the large size and aggressiveness of the animals.

Previous attempts at relocation also yielded no results due to high costs and logistical difficulties.

Hippos in Colombia have become the largest population of this species outside of Africa. Their appearance is a direct consequence of Pablo Escobar's activities, and the current situation is considered a long-term environmental problem.

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