Colombia’s hippo problem: from drug lord legacy to crisis

Colombia is grappling with an unusual environmental challenge: a rapidly growing population of hippopotamuses descended from animals once owned by Pablo Escobar.

Introduced in the 1980s as part of his private zoo, the hippos have since multiplied in the wild, with an estimated 200 now roaming the country’s river systems.

With no natural predators and favorable environmental conditions, the population continues to expand. Authorities warn that numbers could exceed 500 in the coming years if no action is taken. In response, the government has approved a plan to euthanize around 80 hippos as part of a broader effort to control the species.

The proposal has sparked a national debate. Some scientists argue that the animals pose risks to ecosystems and local communities, particularly fishermen who report dangerous encounters.

Others, including animal welfare advocates, oppose the plan, calling for alternatives such as relocation or non-lethal population control methods.

The hippos have also become a tourist attraction, adding another layer to the discussion.