Colombia to Cull Up to 80 Hippos Descended From Pablo Escobar's Private Zoo
Colombian officials authorize plan to cull dozens of feral hippos threatening native species and villagers, descended from Escobar's exotic animal collection.
Colombia is taking drastic measures to address a unique and unexpected wildlife challenge - the proliferation of feral hippos descended from animals once owned by infamous drug kingpin Pablo Escobar. The government has authorized a plan to cull up to 80 of these massive pachyderms, which have displaced native species and posed a threat to local villagers.
For years, officials have struggled to control the growing hippo population, trying methods like neutering and relocating the animals to zoos, but these efforts have proven to be both expensive and ineffective. With the native ecosystem and human safety at risk, the Colombian government has now decided that culling is the best course of action.
Source: The Guardian
