Colombia’s Plan to Manage Hippo Population Descended from Escobar

Colombian authorities have announced plans to euthanize as many as 80 hippos that are descendants of those smuggled into the country by Pablo Escobar. These large animals have become an invasive species since their introduction and have been multiplying in the wild.

The notorious drug lord brought four hippos to establish a zoo at his Hacienda Napoles property in the 1980s. Once Escobar passed away in 1993, the hippos escaped into the surrounding area. Interestingly, Colombia is now the only nation outside of Africa that has wild hippos.

Currently, environmental officials estimate the hippo population at over 160. According to UPI, without intervention, this number could swell to 500 by 2030. To effectively manage the population, research suggests culling at least 33 hippos each year. Notably, some of these “cocaine hippos” have been spotted more than 90 miles away from their initial home.

Environment Minister Irene Vélez Torres signed a directive on Monday outlining the procedures for euthanasia and relocation. She remarked that despite diplomatic efforts, no other countries are willing to accept the hippos.

The process of euthanasia can be costly—up to $14,000 per procedure—and involves sedation, confinement, and immediate burial.

Senator Andrea Padilla, who advocates for animal rights, criticized this decision as an unjust move against healthy animals. Previously, in 2009, a male hippo was killed by soldiers, and the resulting photo sparked public outrage, halting any government actions against the hippos for years.

Moreover, concerning genetic issues resulting from extended inbreeding make it unlikely that the hippos could be safely returned to Africa. Vélez admitted that mutations are increasingly evident within the population.