"Colombia is the only country outside Africa with a wild hippo population, which descends entirely from four individuals imported by Escobar in the 1980s as the drug lord built a private zoo in Hacienda Napoles."
"Environmental authorities in Colombia say the large mammals pose a threat to villagers who have encountered them in farms and rivers. They also compete for food and space against local species such as river manatees."
"Despite the environmental challenges, the hippos have also become a tourist attraction, with residents of the villages surrounding Hacienda Napoles now offering hippo spotting tours and selling hippo-themed souvenirs."
Colombian officials have authorized a culling plan for up to 80 hippos, descendants of animals brought by Pablo Escobar. The decision follows unsuccessful and costly population control methods. Environment Minister Irene Velez emphasized the need for action to preserve ecosystems, as hippos threaten local villagers and compete with native species. Colombia is the only country outside Africa with a wild hippo population, estimated at around 170 in 2022. Despite environmental concerns, hippos have become a tourist attraction, with local businesses offering tours and souvenirs.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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