Colombia plans to cull Escobar’s hippos as population spirals

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Colombia hippos problem escalates as government approves plan to cull dozens of animals threatening ecosystems and communities.

BOGOTÁ: Colombia hippos problem has reached a breaking point, with authorities now planning to cull dozens of animals linked to Pablo Escobar’s infamous private zoo.

What started with just four hippos in the 1980s has turned into a fast-growing population roaming freely across parts of the country. With no natural predators, the animals have multiplied rapidly, spreading far beyond their original habitat.

Officials say the Colombia hippos problem is no longer just unusual, it’s dangerous. The animals have been spotted near farms and rivers, posing risks to local communities and disrupting native wildlife.

Efforts to control the population haven’t worked so far. Sterilisation programmes have been slow and expensive, while attempts to relocate the hippos overseas come with a massive price tag.

Now, the government says tougher action is needed. Up to 80 hippos could be culled as part of the plan, though no timeline has been confirmed yet.

Experts warn that the Colombia hippos problem is also an environmental issue. The animals consume large amounts of vegetation and release waste that affects water quality, putting species like manatees, otters and turtles at risk.

The situation highlights how a legacy from decades ago is still shaping the present. What was once part of a drug lord’s private collection has now become a national challenge.

As the Colombia hippos problem continues to grow, authorities are facing a difficult balance between animal welfare and protecting ecosystems.

And for now, there are no easy answers.

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