"We have to take this action to preserve our ecosystems, Velez said, without pinpointing when the cull would begin. Authorities previously tried sterilisation and capturing and sending the animals to zoos as they sought to slow their population growth, but neither approach worked."
"Despite the local concerns, the animals have become a tourist attraction. They are a major attraction at the Napoles ranch, which is now a tourist destination. Local vendors offer hippo-themed souvenirs and hippo-spotting tours."
"Animal welfare activists have long opposed suggestions of culling the hippos, insisting it would pose a poor example in a country that experienced decades of conflict."
Colombia has approved a plan to cull up to 80 invasive hippos, introduced by Pablo Escobar, due to their growing population and threats to local ecosystems. Environment Minister Irene Velez stated that previous control methods, such as sterilization and relocation, were ineffective. The hippos, which can weigh over four tonnes, pose risks to villagers and compete with native wildlife. Despite concerns, they have become a tourist attraction, particularly at Escobar's former ranch, Hacienda Napoles, where local vendors sell hippo-themed souvenirs and tours.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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