Colombia authorises cull of up to 80 hippos descended from Escobar's zoo

Colombia has authorised a plan to cull up to 80 hippopotamuses in a region in the centre of the country, moving to curb a booming population of animals descended from four introduced in the 1980s by drug trafficker Pablo Escobar. Environment Minister Irene Vélez said officials turned to the measure after previous efforts to rein in the herd — including neutering some animals and moving others to zoos — proved costly and ineffective.

"If we don't do this, we will not be able to control the population," Vélez said, adding that up to 80 hippos could be affected. Authorities say the animals, which roam farms and waterways near the former Hacienda Nápoles estate in the Magdalena River Valley, threaten villagers and displace native wildlife.

Environmental agencies warn the hippos compete for food and habitat with species such as river manatees. A study by Colombia's National University estimated that about 170 hippos were roaming freely in 2022, with some sightings reported more than 100 kilometres north of the ranch.

The population has also become a tourist draw, with local residents offering hippo-spotting tours and selling themed souvenirs. The confiscated Nápoles ranch now operates as a theme park featuring pools, water slides and a zoo with several other African species..

Colombia is the only country outside Africa with a wild hippo population. Officials did not provide a timeline for when the cull would begin. Vélez said the move aims to prevent further growth and reduce risks to communities and native ecosystems.