FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bogotá, Colombia – October 14, 2024: The presence of hippos in the Magdalena River, illegally introduced by Pablo Escobar in the 1980s, has turned what was once a symbol of extravagance into an environmental and public safety crisis. While Hacienda Nápoles has become a theme park and the hippos a popular tourist attraction in the park and surrounding areas of the Magdalena River, the ecological and economic challenges posed by these animals have sparked intense debate over how to control their population.
What started with just four hippos brought from a U.S. zoo has now grown into a population of over 160, expanding throughout the Magdalena region and beyond. The local community in Doradal has found ways to capitalize on the situation by offering hippo tours and selling souvenirs that exploit both the animals and Escobar’s notorious image. Illegal trafficking of baby hippos has even been reported, with wealthy ranch owners purchasing them as exotic pets.
Colombia’s tourism industry and international image are also at stake, as the “narco hippos” have become a tourist draw, complicating efforts to preserve the region’s ecological balance. While the hippos offer an unexpected narrative that ties Escobar’s criminal legacy to modern conservation challenges, they also present a significant sustainability challenge. As Colombia positions itself as a global tourist destination, the management of these animals has become a matter of both national and international importance.
Government action: Promises but little execution
Over the years, the Colombian government has announced several measures to control the hippo population, but few have been effectively implemented. The National Plan for the Management and Control of Hippos in Colombia, launched in 2023 by the Ministry of Environment, proposes strategies such as relocation, surgical sterilization, confinement, and ethical euthanasia as a last resort. The plan is supported by the Humboldt Institute and the National University’s Institute of Natural Sciences.
Some key government efforts include:
- March 2021: The Ministry of Environment, in partnership with the National University and the Humboldt Institute, developed a National Strategy for Hippo Management, aimed at deeply studying the situation before taking action.
- November 2021: A pilot project began to administer contraceptives to 38 hippos around Hacienda Nápoles. This treatment requires three consecutive years to be effective.
- March 2022: Hippos were officially declared an invasive species in Colombia, banning their commercial trade, ownership, and reproduction.
- July 2022: Two hippos were relocated to the Ukumarí Biopark in Pereira as a population control measure.
- August 2023: The government announced its hippo management and control plan, including measures like translocation. Up to 85 hippos are set to be relocated to Mexico, the Philippines, and India, though this has not yet been executed.
- November 2023: The Ministry of Environment launched the surgical sterilization phase, aiming to sterilize 20 hippos by the end of the year and 40 annually from 2024, at a cost of 40 million pesos (~$10,000 USD) per animal.
- June 2024: Resolution 0774 formally adopted the management plan, with progress ongoing. In April, an interdisciplinary expert group was established to evaluate the protocols.
- September 2024: “We are finalizing the translocation and euthanasia protocols, ensuring they meet animal welfare standards. Several international negotiations are underway for relocating a significant number of hippos,” said the Minister.
Despite these initiatives, their impact on the hippo population has been limited. Local police in Doradal, where illegal trafficking of baby hippos has been reported, have also shown little action, likely out of concern for the economic repercussions and local backlash against controlling the animals. This hesitation puts public safety at risk.
“It’s only a matter of time before the first fatal attack”
The growing number of hippos not only presents an environmental problem but also a threat to public safety. In Africa, hippos are responsible for approximately 500 human deaths each year, and many experts believe it’s only a matter of time before Colombia sees its first fatal attack. Frank Spitzer, tourism expert and founder of Pelecanus tour operator, comments: “In my opinion, it’s only a matter of time before we face the first fatal attack. Many local tourism operators are not taking adequate safety measures.”
Ecological and public safety risks
Colombia is facing a challenge that mirrors global issues with invasive species and biodiversity protection. Like Australia’s struggle with rabbits or the Caribbean’s fight against lionfish, Colombia is grappling with the ecological and economic fallout of an invasive species. This issue also ties into Colombia’s international commitments, such as the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity, which requires countries to prevent the introduction of species that threaten native ecosystems.
According to the World Economic Forum, invasive species cost the global economy $423 billion annually and are responsible for 60% of recorded plant and animal extinctions.
Beyond the human safety risks, the ecological impact of hippos on the Magdalena River’s ecosystems is devastating. Known as “ecosystem engineers,” hippos disrupt bodies of water, accelerating eutrophication due to the accumulation of their waste. This depletes oxygen levels in the water, threatening native species like fish, otters, and manatees. Their territorial behavior also displaces these animals, further exacerbating the ecological crisis in the region.
The local dilemma: Preserve or control?
Despite the dangers, many local residents view the hippos as harmless creatures and a source of economic livelihood. In Doradal, hippo tourism attracts both national and international visitors, who flock to see the animals in their natural habitat or within Hacienda Nápoles. This has led to resistance against government efforts to control the population, as locals fear losing a crucial source of income.
International cooperation: A necessary solution
Given the magnitude of the problem, international cooperation is being explored as a potential solution. Global environmental organizations and foreign governments could provide funding, research, and proven strategies for managing invasive species, helping Colombia mitigate the environmental and economic risks posed by the hippos.
“Colombia faces a monumental challenge with these hippos. The only way to resolve this crisis effectively is through strong international cooperation and a committed effort to balance tourism with environmental sustainability,” Spitzer concludes.
About Pelecanus:
Pelecanus is a luxury travel operator based in Bogotá, Colombia, specializing in custom-made trips and luxury travel experiences across Colombia. Founded by Swiss entrepreneur Frank Spitzer in 2016, the company aims to provide travelers with authentic Colombian experiences while promoting sustainable tourism practices.
Media contact:
Ana María Parra
Head of Digital Marketing
Pelecanus
Email: digital@pelecanus.com.co
