Pablo Escobar’s ‘Cocaine Hippos’ to be Considered as Exotic Invasive Species in Colombia

Pablo Escobar's Cocaine Hippos will be declared as exotic invasive species in Colombia, as per the Colombian government.

The now-deceased Colombian drug lord Escobar has left not only a handful of drugs but also left his cocaine hippos, which he had imported from Africa.

Colombian authorities are considering declaring the hippos as invasive species due to their invasive nature and they have already multiplied rapidly, affecting both local human residences and biodiversity.

As a result, the local authorities are attempting to determine how to handle them.

However, it is still unclear what specific measures the Colombian government will take if the hippos will be categorized as exotic invasive species.

Some possible methods are euthanasia, castration, or relocation.

Nevertheless, the declaration will affect the displaced hippos from now on.

Escobar's Cocaine Hippos

(Photo : Ulises Ruiz/AFP via Getty Images)

Escobar illegally exported the hippos from Africa in the 1980s.

The hippos were placed at Escobar's residence in the town of Puerto Triunfo in Antioquia Department, Colombia. The residence is connected to natural wildlife habitat, including rivers, where the hippos thrived, as per the Green Matters website.

Escobar's cocaine hippos grew in population from their Puerto Triunfo habitat due to sufficient food and water with no natural predators.

The population of the hippos has already reached 130, and experts estimate they are expected to increase by 400 in 2030 if no action is done, as per CBS News.

Also read: Hippos in Mozambique Release Poop Tornado to Unfamiliar Hippos: New Study

Exotic Invasive Species

Prior to the declaration, the said hippos have generally showed territorial aggression and disrupted road traffic movement surrounding their habitat.

There are only a few reported cases where the hippos attacked residents living in the area.

Not only will the Colombian government declare Escobar's hippos as invasive species, but the declaration will also apply to the hippos' immediate offspring and succeeding descendants in the coming years and generations, according to Inside Edition.

In addition, environmentalists and scientists have reportedly raised concern that the hippos' feces alter the water composition and affect the local ecosystem.

Potential Population Control Measures

Complete eradication of the cocaine hippos is out of the picture.

According to Carlos Eduardo Correa, Colombia's environment minister, there are no conclusions yet on what methods to use on the hippos, but there have been discussions about castration and sterilization of the hippos, as per ABC News.

In addition, other measures to control the population of Escobar's hippos are still possible, including euthanasia.

The government will consult members of the local communities first before any action is done against the hippos.

Biggest Drug Lord of All Time

Escobar's cocaine hippos received their name during the regime of the infamous and notorious Colombian drug lord between the early 1970s and early 1990s.

Escobar established the Medellin Cartel, a network of organized drug and criminal organizations in Colombia.

His influence has also reached other countries in Central America, South America, and even the United States.

The drug lord died in Medellin, Colombia, in 1993 during an anti-drug operation against him that lasted for several years.

Related article: Pablo Escobar's 'Cocaine Hippos' Sterilized as Population Grows Out of Control