Colombian authorities have approved a controversial plan to cull up to 80 hippos in the central region of the country. These hippos are offspring of four individuals introduced to Colombia in the 1980s by the infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar, who established a private zoo at his Hacienda Nápoles estate.
The government cites concerns that the hippos pose a danger to local communities and are disrupting native wildlife. However, animal rights advocates have criticized the culling strategy as inhumane. Environment Minister Irene Vélez stated that previous attempts to manage the hippo population through neutering and relocation have proven costly and ineffective.
Vélez indicated that up to 80 hippos could be impacted by this decision, although she did not specify when the culling operations would commence. She emphasized the necessity of this action to maintain ecological balance, stating, “If we do not take these measures, controlling the population will be impossible.”
Colombia stands out as the only nation outside Africa with a wild population of hippos, all of which are descendants of those originally brought by Escobar to his expansive ranch. Escobar passed away in 1993. Recent estimates from Colombia’s National University suggest there were roughly 170 hippos in the wild by 2022, with sightings reported over 100 kilometers away from their initial habitat.
Environmental officials warn that encounters between the hippos and local residents have become increasingly common, with the animals infringing on farms and waterways. They also pose competition to indigenous species like river manatees for resources.
Despite these issues, the hippos have also emerged as a draw for tourism, with nearby villages offering tours and merchandise centered on the animals. The Hacienda Nápoles, now a theme park after being confiscated by the government, showcases the hippos alongside various other African wildlife.
Opposition from animal welfare groups has been vocal, with activists arguing against the culling and advocating for the hippos’ right to live. Senator Andrea Padilla, a prominent animal rights supporter who previously worked on legislation to prohibit bullfighting, described the culling plan as “cruel” and accused government officials of opting for an easy yet morally questionable solution. “Killings and massacres will never be acceptable,” Padilla expressed on social media, pointing out that these animals are healthy beings affected by governmental negligence.
For over a decade, spanning three different administrations, Colombia has attempted to address the hippo population issue through neutering. However, these efforts have faced limitations due to the high costs and risks associated with capturing and treating such large and potentially dangerous animals. Additionally, relocating them back to their native habitat in Africa has been deemed impractical, given their restricted genetic diversity and possible disease risks.
