A Colombian court has issued a controversial order, calling for the hunting of hippos introduced to the country by infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar in the 1980s. The Administrative Court of Cundinamarca has given the Ministry of Environment a three-month deadline to create a plan for eradicating the species, citing its negative impact on the region’s ecological balance.
While hippos are known for their danger in their native Africa, where they are responsible for a significant number of human deaths, they have become beloved members of the Colombian community and a tourist attraction. However, the growing hippo population near Escobar’s former ranch in Antioquia state has begun to pose problems, raising concerns about potential future dangers.
Following Escobar’s death, hippos from his private zoo escaped into the wild, finding ample vegetation and lacking natural predators. This has resulted in an uncontrolled population explosion, with an estimated 166 of these two-ton beasts roaming freely.
Reports of hippos attacking fishermen on the Magdalena River and threats to the manatee population have fueled the debate over controlling their numbers. While animal rights activists and tourism industry workers oppose hunting the hippos, experts argue that measures are necessary to prevent ecological damage.
The court has stipulated that the plan for eliminating the hippos should include “controlled hunting and sterilization.” The environmental ministry had previously announced plans to sterilize a portion of the population and euthanize others, but these efforts have progressed slowly. Proposals to relocate the animals to countries like Mexico, India, or the Philippines have also faltered.
This legal ruling highlights the complex challenge of managing an invasive species that has become deeply entwined with the local community and environment. While the court’s order has sparked controversy, it underscores the need for a decisive approach to ensure the ecological well-being of the region.
