US EditionColombia approves plan to cull dozens of wild hippos
Officials said prior sterilization and zoo transfers failed, and up to 80 invasive hippos could be euthanized to protect ecosystems.
- On Monday, Colombian Environment Minister Irene Vélez authorized a plan to euthanize up to 80 wild hippos beginning in the second half of 2026 to preserve ecosystems and protect residents.
- Descendants of four hippos imported 40 years ago by drug lord Pablo Escobar for his private zoo at Hacienda Nápoles, the population now numbers around 170 according to a 2022 study.
- Previous attempts to neuter or relocate the hippos over the past 12 years proved too expensive and ineffective, while the expanding herd threatens native species like river manatees.
- Senator and animal rights activist Andrea Padilla condemned the decision as "cruel," writing that "killings and massacres will never be acceptable" for creatures victimized by government negligence.
- This authorization sets a significant precedent for Colombia's invasive-species management, balancing urgent human-wildlife conflict mitigation against persistent ethical concerns regarding lethal population control.
29 Articles
29 Articles
By Fernando Ramos, CNN en Español. The animal utopia of the late Pablo Escobar, one of Colombia's most bloodthirsty drug lords, has turned into a true ecological nightmare. This Monday, the Colombian government formalized one of the most complex and debated decisions regarding biodiversity: the authorization to euthanize 80 hippos that belonged to the drug kingpin. The animals live in the area surrounding the so-called Hacienda Nápoles, a rural …
In Colombia, a plan has been approved to shoot dozens of hippos. The hippos are one of the many legacies of drug lord Pablo Escobar and have been causing problems in the country for years. "If we don't do this, we cannot keep the population under control," said Colombian Environment Minister Vélez at the announcement. It is estimated that around 200 hippos roam free, mainly in the center of the country, near the Magdalena River. According to the…
Large-port animals became invasive species after the drug dealer imported three women and a male for his ranch
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 40% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
