Colombian authorities have announced plans to cull up to 80 hippos descended from animals once owned by notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar, addressing a growing ecological and public safety concern.
Originally imported by Escobar in the 1980s for his private zoo, the hippos have since multiplied in the country's waterways, creating what officials describe as a complex environmental challenge. While the animals have become an unexpected tourist draw, their presence has increasingly worried both government agencies and local communities.
"These hippos represent a significant threat to native ecosystems and human safety," explained a government spokesperson. "Their rapid reproduction and territorial behavior have forced us to take decisive action to protect Colombia's biodiversity and residents."
The planned culling operation follows years of debate about how to manage the hippo population, which has grown far beyond initial estimates. Environmentalists note the animals' substantial impact on local flora and fauna, while residents report frequent encounters with the massive mammals near populated areas.
This controversial measure highlights the lasting environmental consequences of Escobar's criminal empire, decades after his death. Authorities emphasize that the operation will be conducted with veterinary oversight and represents what they call a necessary step toward ecological balance.