The drug lord Pablo Escobar is known for his infamous legacy, but he also left behind something far less sinister: a herd of hippos. Escobar illegally imported the hippopotamuses to his Hacienda Nápoles ranch in Colombia in the 1980s. When he was fatally shot in 1993, four hippos were left at the ranch.
Decades later, the hippos have rapidly reproduced and spread beyond the confines of the ranch, so much so that environmental authorities now estimate there are about 130 of them in the area. In order to curb their growth, Colombian authorities are now proposing to send at least 70 of them to Mexico and India.
The proposed plan follows failed sterilization efforts by authorities. The animals have been multiplying quickly due to a lack of natural predators, favorable weather conditions, and ample food and water. Experts estimate that their population could reach 400 within eight years.
The plan is to lure the hippos into iron containers before transporting them by truck to a nearby airport, where they would be flown to India and Mexico. Ecuador, Botswana, and the Philippines have also registered interest in taking some. The plan focuses on the animals living outside the ranch because those inside live in a controlled environment and don’t threaten the local ecosystem.
Colombia declared the animals, which are sometimes referred to as “cocaine hippos” due to Escobar’s role in the cocaine trade, an invasive species last year. They could potentially displace some native species in the area, so it’s important that authorities take the right steps to prevent this from happening.
The proposed plan to deport the hippos is an important step in preserving the local environment. It will also provide a better home for the animals in countries where they will be able to thrive. The future of Colombia’s “cocaine hippos” looks bright.
