Colombian Government Plans Cull of Pablo Escobar's Infamous Cocaine Hippos

Colombia's Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development announced on Thursday that a cull is being considered for Pablo Escobar's infamous "cocaine hippos."

The current herd of these hippos stands at 169 animals, a significant increase from the original population of one male and three females that were part of Escobar's collection of rare animals.

After the death of Escobar in 1993, authorities transferred most of the other animals in the collection, but the hippos remained because they were too difficult to transport. With no natural predators, the increasing population presents an environmental challenge. According to the statement, if "strong measures" are not implemented to control them, the population could reach "1,000 individuals by 2035."

The descendants of drug kingpin Pablo Escobar's hippos present an environmental threat.

Raul Arboleda/AFP/Getty Images

The effort to control the hippo population comprises three main strategies: sterilization, relocation, and "ethical euthanasia," as stated by the Environment Minister, Susana Muhamad. Muhamad emphasized the interdependence of these strategies, highlighting the urgent need to address the detrimental environmental and ecosystem consequences. Therefore, it is essential to recognize that a single strategy alone cannot effectively achieve the objective of population control.

In order to mitigate long-term negative impacts, scientists in 2021 proposed a culling of the hippos. However, alternative experts are advocating for an animal welfare-focused castration program instead.

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From 2011 to 2019, four males underwent castration, while two females were sterilized. However, these measures had minimal effect on the progress of the hippos. Attempting to control their reproduction through birth control also proved futile. In addition, plans to move a portion of the hippo population to India, the Philippines, and Mexico are being considered. Currently, the logistics of transporting 60 hippos to India are under analysis. Muhamad clarified that the implementation of this plan is aimed at minimizing the ongoing impacts as quickly as possible.

The ministry's statement indicates that the country will incur an average cost of 40 million pesos ($10,000) per animal for sterilization. The sterilization process is set to commence next week, targeting 40 animals per week.

The minister emphasized that hippos have been classified as "invasive exotics" due to their "aggressive characteristics." Furthermore, their presence poses a serious threat to ecosystems and risks for the surrounding communities.

Research has indicated that the presence of hippo waste in bodies of water can detrimentally impact oxygen levels, thereby affecting fish populations and, eventually, human wellbeing. Additionally, a 2021 study reveals that hippos can pose risks to agriculture and the security of individuals residing in affected regions. In April, a hippopotamus from Escobar's collection tragically perished in a car accident. This report incorporates contributions from CNN's Stefano Pozzebon and Jack Guy.