Colombia Plans to Euthanize Pablo Escobar's Hippos

Colombia's government plans to cull the wild hippo population, offspring of drug lord Pablo Escobar's pets, sparking debate in a town where they are a main attraction.

Mon May 11 2026

Pablo Escobar's Legacy: Wild Hippo Population

The Colombian government is moving forward with plans to euthanize a population of wild hippos, descendants of those kept by drug lord Pablo Escobar. These hippos bred on Escobar's former Hacienda Nápoles estate and have since proliferated, impacting the local ecosystem and communities.

Divided Reactions Among Local Residents

The plan to cull the hippos has ignited considerable debate among residents in the affected area. The hippos have become a significant tourist attraction and symbol for one Colombian town. While some residents advocate for the hippos' protection, others support euthanasia due to concerns over ecological disruption and safety.

*Source: NYTimes World (2026-05-11)*

Tags: #Colombia #PabloEscobar #Hippos #Ecosystem #AnimalEuthanasia