health
A whim of Pablo Escobar leads Colombia to opt for euthanasia for 80 hippos
The Colombian government announced on Monday a plan for managing hippos, which includes the euthanasia of at least 80 specimens during the second half of this year to prevent their reproduction.
TL;DR
- The Colombian government will euthanize at least 80 hippos, descendants of animals brought by drug lord Pablo Escobar.
- The hippos, initially four, have multiplied to nearly 200 and are classified as an invasive exotic species.
- The euthanasia is planned for the second half of the year to control reproduction and mitigate environmental and safety risks.
- Methods will include physical and chemical euthanasia after capture and sedation.
- The hippos are primarily located at Hacienda Nápoles, Escobar's former property, and Isla del Silencio.
- Previous attempts to relocate the hippos to countries like Mexico, Philippines, Peru, India, and South Africa failed due to permit issues and concerns about genetic damage from inbreeding.
- Animal rights activists have criticized the euthanasia plan, advocating for alternatives like sterilization.
- Hippos are large, territorial, and potentially aggressive animals, posing a danger to humans in the Magdalena River region.