Pablo Escobar’s hippo story is completely true and has today become a serious ecological problem for Colombia.
The development of the situation and its current status are as follows:
1. The Beginning of the Story
In the 1980s, Escobar established a private zoo at his colossal estate, Hacienda Nápoles, outside Medellin. He brought in elephants, giraffes, and zebras from all over the world. Among these animals were one male and three female hippos.
2. Escape and Reproduction
When Escobar was killed in 1993, the government relocated most of the animals from the zoo to other places. However, the hippos were left to their fate because they were too heavy, and their transport was dangerous and costly.
The animals breached the estate’s fences and settled in the nearby Magdalena River. Colombia’s climate and river structure did not present factors like drought or predator threats (lions, crocodiles, etc.) found in Africa, the hippos’ native land. In this “paradise” environment, they began to reproduce much faster than normal.
3. “Cocaine Hippos”
Today, their numbers are estimated to be between 150 and 200. Scientists predict that if no intervention is made, this number could exceed 1000 by 2030. This situation leads to the following problems:
- Disruption of Ecological Balance: Their massive droppings alter the oxygen levels in the river, threatening local fish species and vegetation.
- Human Safety: Hippos are one of the most aggressive mammals in the world. They have started entering villages in the region, causing harm to people and agricultural areas.
4. What is Being Done Now?
The Colombian government has officially declared the hippos an “invasive species“. Three methods are being implemented as solutions:
- Sterilization: A very difficult and expensive process.
- Relocation to Other Countries: Plans are being made to transfer them to sanctuaries in countries like India and Mexico.
- Culling (Euthanasia): Although the most controversial method, it remains on the table as a last resort to control the population.
Escobar’s personal hobby continues to live on as one of the country’s biggest environmental crises decades after his death.