Colombia's Environment Ministry approves euthanasia plan for invasive hippos

10 articles · Updated · abcnews.com · Apr 29

Officials will euthanize about 80 hippos, descendants of Pablo Escobar’s private zoo, starting later this year, targeting a population now estimated at 200 across 43,000 square kilometers.
The plan follows warnings that hippo numbers could surpass 500 by 2030, threatening ecosystems and public safety. Fierce debate has erupted, with scientists facing threats and local tourism-dependent communities fearing economic loss.
Relocation efforts have stalled due to high costs and legal barriers, leaving euthanasia as a last resort. Residents remain divided, balancing ecological concerns, safety risks, and the hippos’ role in local identity and tourism.

Beyond killing or moving them, what is the ultimate solution for the hippo population?

Are Escobar's hippos ecological villains or misunderstood ecosystem engineers?

Will an Indian billionaire's offer truly save Colombia's invasive hippos?

Can Colombian communities built on hippo tourism survive without them?

As scientists face death threats, what is the hidden human cost of the hippo debate?

With a presidential election imminent, how will politics decide the hippos' fate?