Colombia to Cull up to 80 Hippos Descended from Pablo Escobar's Zoo

Colombian officials have authorized a plan to cull dozens of hippos that are descendants of animals brought into the country by drug lord Pablo Escobar during the 1980s. The decision has been reached due to the threat these animals pose to native species, local villagers, and the country's ecosystem.

Background

Pablo Escobar, known for his narcotics trade, brought the hippos to Colombia as part of his private zoo. Nearly half a century later, these creatures have multiplied in their numbers, becoming a headache for authorities and a threat to the local ecosystem due to the lack of natural predators or hunters, according to reports by TASS and Deutsche Welle.

The Problem

The hippos, now seen as a tourist attraction, have displaced native species and have become a threat to local villagers. Additionally, a genetic mutation in the hippos has caused countries to reject these animals, adding to the difficulty of dealing with the problem.

The Colombian Environment Minister, Irene Vélez, stated that other methods to control their population, such as neutering or moving them to zoos, have proven expensive and unsuccessful. Up to 80 hippos would be affected by the measure, Vélez said, without mentioning when the culling would begin.

The Culling Plan

The Colombian government has approved an official document detailing the guidelines for the coordination and control of the hippos, as reported by Clarin. The document authorizes an euthanasia plan for the animals, although the types of euthanasia have not been specified.

The plan to cull the hippos comes as a response to their growing population and the continuous threat they pose to the local ecosystem. The number of hippos, which started from a few in Escobar's zoo, has grown to an estimated 80, giving rise to this drastic measure.

Implications and Reactions

The decision to cull the hippos has been met with varied reactions. While some see it as a necessary measure to protect the local ecosystem and villagers, others may view it as an extreme response. Notably, the hippos have become a tourist attraction in Colombia, contributing to the local economy.

Conclusion

The Colombian government's decision to cull the hippos continues the saga of Escobar's lingering legacy in the country. While the culling method and its commencement date remain undisclosed, the authorities are clear about the need for this intervention. As the country grapples with this unique ecological challenge, the fate of the hippos serves as a reminder of the unintended consequences of the narcotics trade and the long-lasting impact it can have on a region's ecosystem.