Colombia's hippos are a remnant of a 1980s experiment gone wrong.
In the early 1980s, a wealthy Colombian rancher released a group of hippopotamuses into the Magdalena River, hoping to create a unique attraction for his ranch.
These hippos have thrived in the wild, but their presence poses a significant threat to the local ecosystem.
They can grow up to 4,000 pounds and reach speeds of 18 miles per hour, making them a formidable force in the river.
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The Pablo Escobar Hippos
Pablo Escobar's four hippos, imported from the US in the 1980s, have been living in the wild in Colombia since their owner's death in 1993.
These hippos, native to Africa, have extended their territory to the Magdalena River basin in Colombia over the past few decades.
Their population has increased rapidly, with an estimated 80 hippos roaming the country, up from 35 counted in 2012.
The hippos' feces are fertilizing the growth of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, in the water, posing a serious danger to humans and other animals.
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Researchers predict that if no management strategies are implemented, the population will continue to grow, leading to potential ecological and socio-economic negative effects.
The Colombian government has attempted to cull the hippos but was halted due to demands from locals and environmental law protections.
The government is now committed to catching 70 of the hippos and relocating them to sanctuaries in India, Mexico, and potentially other countries.
Colombia's Wildlife
Colombia's Wildlife is facing an unusual challenge with the presence of feral hippos. These hippos have taken over Colombia's Antioquia Department.
Authorities are working to catch 70 of them, but sending them to Africa is not an option due to concerns about spreading diseases.
The plan is to relocate 60 hippos to the Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Gujarat, India, and the rest to the Ostok Sanctuary in Mexico.
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