"Environment Minister Irene Vélez stated, 'If we don't do this we will not be able to control the population. We have to take this action to preserve our ecosystems.'"
"Colombia is the only country outside of Africa with a wild hippo population, descended from four hippos brought by Pablo Escobar in the 1980s."
"Environmental authorities report that hippos pose a threat to villagers and compete for resources with local species like river manatees."
"Despite the challenges, hippos have become a tourist attraction, with local residents offering hippo spotting tours and selling themed souvenirs."
Colombian authorities have authorized a culling plan for up to 80 hippos that threaten local communities and ecosystems. Previous population control methods, such as neutering and relocation, have failed. Environment Minister Irene Vélez emphasized the need for this action to preserve ecosystems. The hippos, descendants of those brought by Pablo Escobar, have become a tourist attraction despite posing risks to villagers and competing with native species. An estimated 170 hippos were reported in the wild in 2022, with sightings extending beyond their original habitat.
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