"We must act to reduce the hippopotamus population. These actions are essential to protect our ecosystems and our native species, as the hippos pose a danger to villagers and compete for food with native species like river manatees."
"In the absence of natural predators, the hippo population has grown unchecked. An estimated 200 currently roam freely the Magdalena River basin, and without intervention, their numbers could rise to around 1,000 by 2035."
"Animal welfare activists argue that the hippos deserve to live. They believe that addressing the problem through killing sets a poor example for a country that has experienced decades of internal conflict."
"Andrea Padilla, a senator and animal rights advocate, described the plan to cull the hippos as a cruel decision, accusing government officials of choosing the 'easy way out.'"
The Colombian government has authorized a plan to cull up to 80 free-roaming hippopotamuses due to their threat to local communities and ecosystems. These hippos, descendants of animals imported by Pablo Escobar, displace native species and disrupt habitats. Environment Minister Irene Velez Torres emphasized the need to act against the unchecked hippo population, which could grow to 1,000 by 2035. The culling program, with a budget of 7.2 billion pesos, will begin in 2026, but animal welfare groups oppose the killings, advocating for alternative solutions.
Read at www.dw.com
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