Colombia Authorizes Cull of Pablo Escobar's Hippos

Colombia's Environment Ministry has approved a plan to cull up to 80 feral hippopotamuses, descendants of animals imported by the late drug lord Pablo Escobar. The decision follows unsuccessful and costly attempts at population control through other means.

The Authorization

Colombia's Environment Ministry, under Minister Irene Vélez, has approved a population control measure targeting feral hippopotamuses. The plan authorizes the culling of up to 80 animals.

Minister Vélez stated the decision was based on the high cost and limited success of previous control methods, including surgical neutering and attempts to relocate the animals to zoos. No specific start date for the operation has been announced.

Origin and Population Growth

The hippo population in Colombia is unique, as it is the only wild herd outside of Africa.

The animals descend from four individuals imported by the late drug trafficker Pablo Escobar for his private zoo at the Hacienda Nápoles ranch in the Magdalena River valley during the 1980s.
After Escobar's death, the government confiscated his properties. Hacienda Nápoles now operates as a theme park.
A 2022 study by Colombia's National University estimated approximately 170 hippos were roaming freely in the country.
The animals have expanded their range and have been spotted more than 100 kilometers north of the original ranch location.

Cited Environmental and Safety Concerns

Government authorities have cited several reasons for the population control measure:

Safety Risk: Environmental authorities state the hippos pose a threat to villagers who encounter them on farms and in rivers.
Ecological Impact: Officials report the hippos compete for food and space with native species, including the river manatee, and their presence disrupts local ecosystems.
Failed Alternatives: Over the past 12 years, the government has attempted to control population growth through surgical neutering programs. These efforts are described as having limited scope due to the high costs and dangers associated with capturing and performing surgery on the large, dangerous animals.
Relocation Challenges: Returning the hippos to Africa has been considered unfeasible. Authorities cite concerns over the animals' limited genetic diversity and the potential risk of disease transmission.

Opposition to the Culling Plan

The authorization has been met with opposition from animal welfare advocates.

Senator Andrea Padilla, an animal rights activist, described the plan as "cruel" and accused officials of taking the easy way out. In a post on the social media platform X, Padilla wrote, "Killings and massacres will never be acceptable," and referred to the hippos as "healthy creatures who are victims of the negligence of government entities."
Other animal welfare activists in Colombia have opposed killing the hippos, arguing the animals deserve to live and that addressing the problem through culling sets a poor example.

Economic and Social Context

Despite the environmental concerns driving the culling decision, the hippos have developed a significant local economic role.

The animals have become a tourist attraction in the region. Local residents offer guided hippo-spotting tours and sell hippo-themed souvenirs.
The hippos remain one of the main attractions at the Hacienda Nápoles theme park, which features a zoo with several African species, swimming pools, and water slides.