Colombia Authorizes Culling of Up to 80 Invasive Hippos
The animals are descendants of four hippos imported by drug trafficker Pablo Escobar for his private zoo in the 1980s.
Colombian environmental authorities have authorized a plan to cull up to 80 hippos roaming freely in the country's central region. An alternative proposal to relocate some of the animals to a sanctuary in India has been submitted but has not yet been approved by the Colombian government.
Background
Colombia is the only country outside Africa with a wild hippo population. The current population descends from four individuals brought to Colombia by Pablo Escobar for his private zoo at Hacienda Nápoles ranch in the Magdalena River valley during the 1980s. Following Escobar's death in 1993, the animals were left to roam freely.
A 2022 study by Colombia's National University estimated approximately 170 hippos were roaming freely in the country. Some reports from 2024 estimate the population has grown to over 200 individuals. The government has declared the hippos an invasive species. The animals have been sighted more than 100 kilometers (60 miles) north of the original ranch location.
Authorized Culling Plan
Colombian environmental officials authorized a plan to cull up to 80 hippos. Environment Minister Irene Vélez stated that previous population control methods, including neutering and relocation to zoos, have been expensive and unsuccessful. Vélez said the action is necessary to control the population and preserve ecosystems. No start date for the culling operation was provided.
Reasons for Population Control
Environmental authorities state the hippos pose a threat to villagers who encounter them on farms and in rivers. The animals compete for food and space with native species such as river manatees, otters, and turtles. According to independent journalist Audrey Huse:
"The hippos have no natural predators in Colombia, their population is increasing, and they affect the local ecosystem by consuming grassland and producing waste that can poison rivers."
A 2022 study indicated the hippos breed quickly in Colombia's environment. The Ministry of Environment warned that without intervention, the hippo population could double within five years.
Previous Control Efforts and Alternatives
Over the past 12 years, spanning three presidential administrations, Colombia has attempted to neuter some hippos to reduce population growth. These initiatives had limited scope due to high costs and the danger of capturing and performing surgery on the animals. Experts have stated sterilization alone is insufficient to control population growth.
The government previously arranged for possible transfer of hippos to overseas sanctuaries. Relocation to overseas sanctuaries was estimated to cost $3.5 million. Returning hippos to Africa has been considered unfeasible due to their limited gene pool and potential disease transmission risks.
Alternative Relocation Proposal
Anant Ambani, son of Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani, has formally requested the Colombian government allow the relocation of approximately 80 hippos to Vantara, an animal rescue and conservation center in Gujarat, India, owned by the Ambani family's Reliance Industries. The relocation is estimated to cost over $4 million.
Vantara's statement says the proposal includes "veterinary-led capture and transport" and creation of a "purpose-designed naturalistic setting." The Colombian government has not publicly responded to the proposal. A similar proposal in 2023 did not proceed due to logistical and permitting issues.
Statements
Environment Minister Irene Vélez: "If we don't do this we will not be able to control the population. We have to take this action to preserve our ecosystems."
Senator and animal rights activist Andrea Padilla described the culling plan as a "cruel" decision and accused government officials of taking the easy way out. Padilla wrote on social media platform X: "Killings and massacres will never be acceptable. These are healthy creatures who are victims of the negligence of government entities."
Anant Ambani: "These 80 hippos did not choose where they were born, nor did they create the circumstances they now face. They are living, sentient beings, and if we have the ability to save them through a safe and humane solution, we have a responsibility to try."
Biologist Nataly Castelblanco-Martinez stated that culling is the most effective solution, noting similar measures used for lionfish and camels in Australia.
Sergio Estrada, biology professor at Bogotá's Rosario University, expressed skepticism, highlighting logistical challenges of transporting hippos 150 km by truck to an airport, then a long flight with a stopover. Estrada also questioned whether the animals could thrive in the Indian reserve.
Opposition
Animal welfare activists in Colombia have opposed proposals to kill the hippos, arguing they deserve to live and that addressing the problem through violence sets a poor example for a country with a history of internal conflict. In 2009, a previous effort to control the hippo population was halted after public outrage over a photo of soldiers posing with a killed hippo.
Economic and Social Context
Despite environmental concerns, the hippos have become a tourist attraction in the region. Residents near Hacienda Nápoles offer hippo-spotting tours and sell hippo-themed souvenirs. Hacienda Nápoles, confiscated by the government, now operates as a theme park featuring the hippos, swimming pools, water slides, and a zoo with several African species.
In October 2023, Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced part of Escobar's former ranch was handed over to women affected by the nation's armed conflict.
Allegations Regarding Vantara
The Vantara sanctuary has faced allegations of illegal wildlife sourcing and been criticized as a "vanity zoo" since it is not open to the public. The sanctuary and the Ambani family deny the allegations. The Supreme Court of India conducted an investigation and found no evidence of wrongdoing.