Colombian authorities have approved a plan to cull up to 80 hippos, descendants of those brought by drug lord Pablo Escobar, to control their rapidly growing population and protect the ecosystem. Environment Minister Irene Vélez emphasized that previous methods, such as castration and relocation, have been ineffective due to high costs. As of 2022, around 170 hippos were estimated to be roaming freely, posing threats to local villagers and competing for resources with native species like manatees and turtles.
Despite their ecological impact, hippos have become a tourist attraction at the former Hacienda Napoles, now a theme park. Activists oppose the culling, calling it cruel and arguing that addressing the issue through violence sets a poor precedent. Past efforts to manage the hippo population have been hindered by the dangerous nature of the animals and the costs involved in neutering. Critics point out the challenges of reintroducing them into their natural habitats in Africa due to genetic limitations and disease risks.
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