In Doradal, Colombia, hippos have become a unique attraction, descendants of four animals illegally brought by drug lord Pablo Escobar in the 1980s. After Escobar’s properties were seized in 1993, the hippos were left unchecked, leading to a population boom of around 200. These hippos now roam freely, impacting the local ecosystem by altering water chemistry and affecting the food chain. While they draw tourists and have become part of the community’s identity, scientists warn of their environmental impact. The Colombian government plans to cull up to 80 hippos to control their numbers. Locals, who have embraced the hippos as a tourist draw, advocate for humane population control methods.
QUESTION: How might the presence of hippos in Colombia change the local culture and economy over time?
Colombia’s rogue hippos could find refuge in India
