Pablo Escobar's hippos loose in Colombia

Pablo Escobar’s hippos on the run in Colombia - 22nd February 2021

Hippos are native to Africa. However, they are spreading along Colombia’s River Magdalena. Experts are considering how to manage the population.

The species was illegally introduced to South America by international drug smuggler Pablo Escobar. His small, private collection has grown in number and is threatening other species.

After Escobar was shot dead by Colombian police in 1993, his luxury estate was investigated. This search uncovered his zoo animals, which the authorities rehomed. However, as the four hippos were difficult to transport, they were set free.

Environmentalists calculate that roughly 80 to 120 hippos now occupy the Magdalena. Without careful management, this is expected to rise above a thousand within a decade. Therefore, they are advising 30 hippos be destroyed every year to protect other species.

The lack of threats from other species in Colombia has helped the population expand. The tropical climate also suits hippos better than Africa, where the long dry season naturally reduces numbers.

Environmentalists raised several concerns about damage to local habitats. Hippos threaten to push out local species and change the chemical balance of river water. The aggressive animals also present a risk for humans.

However, some with an affection for hippos were angered by the move. One scientist was threatened after the proposal to destroy some hippos was made public.