Colombia will euthanize at least 80 hippos during the second half of this year to curb the uncontrolled spread of the invasive species. The government announced the management plan on Monday, targeting animals introduced to the country by drug trafficker Pablo Escobar more than three decades ago.
Environment Minister Irene Vélez stated that the decision follows scientific recommendations to protect local biodiversity. "Since 2022, science has told us that we must reduce the population to save our ecosystems," Vélez said.
The ministry confirmed that previous attempts to relocate the hippos to other countries were unsuccessful. This failure prompted the shift toward euthanasia as a primary control method.
Implementation and safety protocols
Natalia Ramírez, the Director of Forests at the Ministry of Environment, detailed the two methods the government will employ: physical and chemical euthanasia. The protocol begins with the capture and sedation of the animals.
"The administration of medications will be approved by experts in managing these processes," Ramírez said. The ministry described the protocol as both "responsible and ethical."
The operation will focus on Hacienda Nápoles, the former estate of Escobar, and Isla del Silencio, where the highest concentration of the species resides. However, officials may extend the plan to other regions where hippos have been spotted near urban centers.
Vélez emphasized the necessity of protecting local residents from the animals. "We know that there are individuals of hippos wandering in spaces where human beings live, and for us, it is fundamental to safeguard human life," she said during a press conference.
The Colombian government has allocated 7.2 billion Colombian pesos, approximately $2 million USD, to execute the plan. This funding is specifically earmarked for the implementation scheduled to begin in the second half of 2026.
The current population of the species is estimated at roughly 200 hippos. Without intervention, the population could reach 1,000 individuals by 2035, significantly altering the country's natural habitats and increasing the risk of human-animal conflict.
