Pablo Escobar's Hippos Are Multiplying in Colombia and Causing All Sorts of Trouble

 The late Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar was infamous for his  extravagant lifestyle, and the impact of his operation is still being  felt in the country today. One strange and unexpected problem that  surfaced long after Escobar’s death involves the invasive species that  he brought to the zoo at his home in Colombia. His hippos have become  the biggest problem as they rapidly multiply and threaten the area’s  ecosystem. The hippos, native to Africa, are disrupting the local wildlife and terrorizing nearby villages, preventing villagers from accessing streams and waterways. Biologist David Echeverri says that most of the animals from Escobar’s zoo were returned to their natural habitats or are now housed in sanctuaries.

When Escobar’s empire fell, there were only four hippos. Researchers estimate that there are now over 50. Most of the hippos still live inside Escobar’s former estate, which  was turned into a theme park in 2007. However, as the hippos grow in  number they are becoming impossible to contain and have now wandered as  far as 100 miles away. 

 Sadly, the hippo’s presence is disrupting wildlife native to the  region, many of which are no match for the powerful animal. Locals are  at odds about how to deal with the problem. When officials first began  to hunt the hippos in an attempt to eradicate them, locals who  considered them a sort of local mascot protested against the hunts. As a  result, a federal judge banned the hunting of hippos. Experts are now  suggesting that the animals should just be relocated. While the hippos wait to be relocated, many have become a tourist  attraction and even have their own exhibit at the Escobar theme park.