Colombia plans to euthanize 80 hippos by 2026, sparking debate over managing the invasive species descended from Pablo Escobar’s abandoned pets. The $2 million initiative, criticized by animal rights groups, aims to curb the herd’s ecological threat while relocating others. Doradal, home to Hacienda Nápoles, faces divided opinions as hippos boost tourism but risk displacing native wildlife.

The hippos, numbering ~200 today, could swell to 1,000 by 2035, threatening Colombia’s biodiversity. Officials propose lethal injections for captured animals, while others may be shot and buried. Relocation efforts face logistical hurdles, including an Indian billionaire’s offer to house them, deemed impractical for 80 hippos.

Residents near Magdalena River grapple with safety concerns, as hippos’ territorial nature raises fears of human fatalities. While attacks remain rare, experts warn proximity to waterways increases risks. The estate’s theme park capitalizes on the hippos’ allure, masking Escobar’s violent legacy with kitschy attractions.

This crisis underscores Colombia’s struggle to reconcile conservation with public safety. As Pablo Escobar’s ghost looms, the hippos symbolize both the drug lord’s recklessness and the nation’s complex relationship with invasive species management.