Colombia sterilises first hippo left behind by Pablo Escobar amid ecological disaster

By Fatou Ferraro Mboup

Updated Nov 29, 2023 at 02:52 PM

Reading time: 2 minutes

51738

Pablo Escobar, the notorious Colombian drug lord and sole leader of the Medellín Cartel might be six feet under, but he bequeathed us with a legacy that’s as extravagant and, let’s say, wild as his criminal exploits. Picture this: a mansion, once home to the infamous narcoterrorist, is now overrun by not-so-cuddly creatures—hippopotamuses. Yes, you read that right, apart from cocaine, the guy also had a thing for illegal animal imports.

On Tuesday 14 November 2023, the Colombian government initiated the sterilisation process for hippos in the country, with two males and one female undergoing surgical sterilisation, as announced by environmental authorities. This marks a significant step in the government’s broader initiative to manage the population of over 169 hippos freely roaming in some rivers without supervision, all thanks to Escobar.

The comprehensive plan involves the annual sterilisation of 40 hippos, potential relocation to other countries, and, controversially, the consideration of euthanasia. The hippos, having expanded from Escobar’s estate into nearby rivers, have thrived without natural predators in Colombia, earning them the label of an invasive species capable of disrupting the local ecosystem.

Why the fuss? Well, it turns out that, over the years, the hippos multiplied like rabbits. From a humble four gifted to Escobar straight out of Africa, the hippo population in Colombia has ballooned to a staggering 169. It’s like a real-life version of Jumanji, only with a sprinkle of drug lord vibes.

Without crocodiles, lions, or other predators to regulate their numbers, the hippo population is experiencing unchecked growth. According to a study mentioned in The Guardian, if left unaddressed, it is projected that by 2034, the hippo count could surge to a staggering 1,400, creating a scenario of exponential population expansion with potential ecological consequences.

Sterilisation, however, is not a walk in the park. Spotting and capturing these three-tonne hulks is about as complicated as Escobar’s business model was. Rainy days make it even more challenging. As explained by Echeverry, the head of the environmental office in charge of the plan, “They have an oversupply of food, so baiting them to capture them becomes even more complicated.”

That’s why Colombia is also exploring the option of exporting Escobar’s unconventional pets abroad. The government of Antioquia state, situated in the northwest of Colombia, is currently in negotiations with a park in India, eyeing the possibility of sending 60 of these hefty creatures across continents. Additionally, they are considering dispatching 10 hippos to a sanctuary in Mexico.

“It would be a great relief,” local fisherman Zapata told The Guardian from the porch of his riverside wooden house by the river. “Please, if other countries can help, take them all.”

For now, however, the government is grappling with the financial burden of sterilisation, and it’s no small bill, coming in at a hefty $9,800 per hippo. And there are risks—because playing animal doctor with three-tonne patients involves allergic reactions, potential death, and hazards for the brave souls trying to keep these hippos in check.

Keep On Reading

By Fatou Ferraro Mboup

With the rise of narco influencers comes a rise in narco-funerals. Here’s what you need to know

By Charlie Sawyer

Hair today, bare tomorrow: Nudist barbershops are trending in Brazil

By Marcia Veiga

How street artist Júlio Fessô is redefining murals as Brazil’s new form of political activism

By Eliza Frost

The Summer I Turned Pretty is getting a movie. Could it be here in time for Christmas?

By Fatou Ferraro Mboup

Jeffree Star makes inappropriate comment after Kanye West posts disturbing incest confession

By Eliza Frost

Couples who meet online are less happy in love, new research finds

By Eliza Frost

Misogyny, sexism, and the manosphere: how this year’s Love Island UK has taken a step backwards

By Fatou Ferraro Mboup

Are Aimee Lou Wood and Walton Goggins feuding? Fans freak out after The White Lotus co-stars unfollow each other

By Charlie Sawyer

Johnny Depp plays the victim once more and anoints himself crash test dummy for #MeToo

By Fatou Ferraro Mboup

Is Tate McRae a secret Trump supporter? Fans react to viral speculation

By Abby Amoakuh

Celebrity Big Brother: JoJo Siwa’s partner Kath Ebbs turns off comments amid Chris Hughes romance rumours

By Charlie Sawyer

Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz Beckham hire a lawyer to battle misinformation amid growing family rift

By Charlie Sawyer

Yung Filly’s legal troubles mount as the rapper faces two new sexual assault charges in Australia

By Abby Amoakuh

MrBeast faces new backlash as fans demand refunds for disastrous Las Vegas immersive experience

By Charlie Sawyer

From breaking up families to spreading rumours about Joe Biden’s death, here’s what QAnons been up to

By Fatou Ferraro Mboup

James Toback hit with landmark $1.68 billion jury award after 40 women accused director of sexual abuse

By Julie Huynh

Hockey fan edits are taking over TikTok, and it’s all thanks to Gen Z girlies

By Eliza Frost

Kendall Jenner reveals plans to quit Kardashian fame for a normal job

By Charlie Sawyer

Madison Beer opens up about reconnecting with the person who leaked her explicit photos as a teen

By Abby Amoakuh

You star Madeline Brewer faces misogynistic backlash after internet brands her character unlikeable