By Zoila Palma: Colombian officials have authorized a plan to euthanize dozens of invasive hippos roaming freely in the country’s central region, descendants of animals introduced by drug lord Pablo Escobar in the 1980s, CBS reports.
Environment Minister Irene Vélez said up to 80 hippos could be affected as the government seeks to control a growing population that threatens communities and ecosystems.
Officials say previous efforts to manage the animals—including sterilization and relocation—have proven costly and largely ineffective.
Vélez warned that without stronger measures, authorities would be unable to contain the population, emphasizing the need to protect local ecosystems.
Colombia is the only country outside Africa with a wild hippo population, now estimated at around 170 animals as of 2022. The animals, originally brought to Escobar’s Hacienda Nápoles estate, have expanded far beyond the ranch, with sightings reported more than 60 miles away.
Declared an invasive species, the hippos compete with native wildlife and disrupt habitats along rivers and farmland.
Environmental authorities say the large mammals pose risks to villagers and biodiversity, consuming vast amounts of vegetation and polluting waterways.
The post International News: Colombia approves plan to euthanize Pablo Escobar’s ‘cocaine hippos’ appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Colombian officials have authorized a plan to euthanize dozens of invasive hippos roaming freely in the country’s central region, descendants of animals introduced by drug lord Pablo Escobar in the 1980s, CBS reports. Environment Minister Irene Vélez said up to 80 hippos could be affected as the government seeks to control a
The post International News: Colombia approves plan to euthanize Pablo Escobar’s ‘cocaine hippos’ appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
