health
May 8, 2026
Despite Indian Billionaire's Interest, Colombia Will Proceed with Euthanasia of Pablo Escobar's Hippos
The hippos were introduced by Pablo Escobar. Photo: Ministry of Environment.
TL;DR
- Colombia will proceed with the euthanasia of invasive hippos, despite plans to relocate 80 to India.
- Euthanasia is considered a complementary measure to relocation, not a substitute.
- The method will be chemical euthanasia, described as less painful.
- The process includes identification using trap cameras, neutralization by a contracted national government entity, and is expected to last three months.
- The urgency is due to the hippos' spread in the Magdalena River basin, with an estimated 220 individuals causing environmental impacts.
- The relocation to India is still subject to a technical assessment by Vantara.
- The international cooperation for relocation does not involve any financial transaction with the Colombian government.
- Effective control requires a combination of simultaneous management tools due to the population's growth and complexity.