In Colombia, there are now wild hippos that were once owned by the notorious drug kingpin, Pablo Escobar. Escobar, who controlled 80% of the global cocaine market in the 1970s and 1980s, had a private zoo on his estate which included exotic animals such as lions, ostriches, giraffes, and elephants.

There are hippos living near the Hacienda NГЎpoles theme park in Doradal, Colombia, as seen in a photo with a sign warning people about their presence. Ecologist Rebecca Lewison from San Diego University is concerned about the consequences of the hippos’ poop, which is rich in nutrients for river ecosystems in Africa, but could cause problems with clogged rivers and low oxygen levels in Colombia. Additionally, the territorial and aggressive nature of hippos poses a real danger to people. Hacienda NГЎpoles is now a theme park with various animal attractions and events, but it still has ties to Pablo Escobar’s narcoterrorism through his former pet hippos that continue to live there. The state of Louisiana once considered hippo ranching to solve a meat shortage and water hyacinth problem, but the idea was never realized.

FAQ

1. What is the story behind Pablo Escobar’s hippos?

Pablo Escobar, a notorious drug lord in Colombia, imported four hippos to his private zoo in the 1980s. After his death in 1993, the government seized his property, but the hippos were too difficult to move and were left behind. The hippos escaped into the nearby Magdalena River and have been breeding and multiplying ever since.

2. How many hippos are estimated to be living in Colombia’s rivers?

There are currently around 80 hippopotamuses living in Colombia’s rivers, descendants of the original four that escaped from Escobar’s zoo. The hippos are thriving in their new environment, which provides ample food and no natural predators.

3. What are the environmental concerns associated with the hippos?

The hippos pose a threat to the local ecosystem, as they are not native to Colombia and have no natural predators. They consume large amounts of vegetation and can disrupt the food chain. Additionally, they carry diseases that could be harmful to humans and other animals.

4. What is being done to address the issue of the hippos?

The Colombian government has been debating the best way to address the hippo population for years. Some have suggested culling the hippos, while others believe they should be left alone. Recently, a group of scientists proposed a plan to sterilize the male hippos to prevent further breeding.

5. Are the hippos a danger to humans?

While there have been no reported attacks on humans by the hippos, they are still considered dangerous animals. Hippos are known to be territorial and aggressive, especially when defending their young.

6. What is the future of the hippo population in Colombia?

The future of the hippo population in Colombia is uncertain. While some people believe they should be left alone to thrive in their new environment, others are concerned about the impact they could have on the local ecosystem. It is likely that the Colombian government will continue to debate the issue and consider different solutions in the coming years.