Colombian officials have approved a plan to cull dozens of hippos that are roaming freely through the country’s central region. These “cocaine hippos” were first introduced by notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar in the 1980s when he built his private zoo, Hacienda Nápoles.
Environment Minister Irene Vélez stated that previous methods to control the hippo population have been unsuccessful and costly. She said up to 80 hippos could be affected by this measure but did not specify when hunting would begin.
A study published by Colombia’s National University in 2022 estimated around 170 hippos were roaming freely in the country. The hippos, considered an invasive species, pose a threat to villagers and compete for food and space with native species like river manatees.
Independent journalist Audrey Huse previously told CBS News that because the hippos have no natural predators in Colombia, their population is booming, affecting the local ecosystem. They consume large amounts of grassland and produce significant waste, which then poisons rivers.
Despite opposition from animal welfare activists who argue for the animals’ right to live, the plan has been approved by Colombian President Gustavo Petro. Activists accuse government officials of trying to take the easy way out, arguing that killing these healthy creatures sets a poor example for Colombia’s history of internal conflict.
Over the past 12 years, three presidential administrations have tried to neuter some of the hippos but found it too costly and difficult due to the dangerous nature of the animals. Taking them back to their natural habitat in Africa is also considered unfeasible due to disease concerns and a limited gene pool.