Buscando la plaga de hipopótamos de Escobar en Colombia | ¿Es real? ⚠️🦛🇨🇴

Key Concepts

Pablo Escobar's hippos, invasive species, population control, euthanasia, sterilization, translocation, sanctuaries, tourism, human-wildlife conflict, conservation, cost of hippo management, public perception, responsibility for the hippo population.

Pablo Escobar's Hippos: A Complex Colombian Conflict

Origins and Exponential Growth

In the 1980s, Pablo Escobar, a notorious drug lord, acquired several exotic animals, including hippopotamuses. After his death, Colombian authorities took possession of his properties, but the hippos were left unattended. This lack of control led to exponential reproduction, with the initial few hippos growing to over 160, posing a significant threat to the population, flora, and fauna of the El Doradal region in Antioquia. Experts predict that by 2035, the hippo population could exceed 1,000.

Environmental Impact and Human-Wildlife Conflict

The hippos have adapted to the Colombian ecosystem, with females giving birth to up to two offspring per year, compared to one in Africa. They are considered an invasive exotic species, disrupting the natural habitat. There are reports of people stealing hippo offspring to sell them, perpetuating the problem. The hippos pose a direct threat to humans, with instances of them entering homes and destroying property, leading to the construction of electric fences and specialized door systems.

Example: A resident recounts how a hippo entered their house and destroyed their son's tree house.

Proposed Solutions and Controversies

The Ministry of Environment initially proposed euthanasia as a means of population control, suggesting methods such as hammer blows to the head, electrocution, and hunting. These proposals were met with strong opposition, as the hippos are considered healthy animals living in an environment they were brought to.

Quote: "Animals that are totally healthy, calm, living in an environment that they are not aware of, that is not their environment, but they are from here because they were born here."

Tourism and Economic Impact

Despite the problems, the hippos have become a tourist attraction, boosting the local economy. The town of Doradal features hippo sculptures, hippo-themed restaurants, and souvenir shops. The former Napoles hacienda has been transformed into amusement parks, water parks, and hotels.

Translocation and Sanctuaries

Another proposed solution is to transfer the hippos to sanctuaries in other parts of the world. However, the estimated cost of transporting a single hippo is $40,000, making it a financially challenging option.

Case Study: Ostok Sanctuary in Culiacan, Mexico, is presented as a potential destination for the hippos. Ernesto Zazueta, president of the Ostok Council, explains their approach to rescuing, rehabilitating, and providing a dignified life for animals. They propose a non-anesthetic transfer method, training the hippos to enter transport boxes voluntarily. Ostok Sanctuary is working with sanctuaries in India, Thailand, the Philippines, and Mexico to manage the translocation process and cover the associated costs.

Public Perception and Ownership

The hippos are a controversial symbol, linked to Pablo Escobar's legacy, which Colombia wants to shed. However, a protest movement has emerged with the slogan: "Hippos can no longer be considered just Pablo's, they now belong to Colombia." This reflects a growing sense of responsibility and ownership among the Colombian people.

Economic Value of Hippos

Adult hippos have a low market value (between $600 and $1,000) compared to other exotic animals like elephants (ranging from $250,000 to over $500,000). This low value makes it difficult to find zoos or sanctuaries willing to take them.

Capture and Sterilization Methods

Traps are being used to capture hippos for sterilization. These traps use bait to lure the animals inside, triggering a door to close. The goal is to sterilize a portion of the population while relocating the majority to sanctuaries.

Conclusion

The situation with Pablo Escobar's hippos is a complex and multifaceted problem with no easy solutions. It highlights the consequences of neglecting environmental issues and the challenges of managing invasive species. The conflict involves balancing the safety and well-being of the local population, the conservation of the ecosystem, and the ethical treatment of the animals. The ultimate resolution will require a collaborative effort involving government authorities, local communities, and international organizations.