How Pablo Escobar created a 'cocaine hippos' problem in Colombia

Pablo Escobar, the infamous Colombian drug lord, left behind a complex legacy, including a private zoo at his Hacienda Nápoles estate. Escobar's collection included elephants, ostriches, and notably, hippos. Following his death in 1993, while most animals were relocated, four hippos were left behind.

These hippos, known as "cocaine hippos,” have increased in number, growing to over 160 by 2023. With no natural predators, their population multiplied rapidly, posing threats to both public safety and the local ecosystem. These animals have been damaging crops, wandering into villages, and creating road hazards.

The hippos were part of Escobar’s attempt to win public favor by opening his zoo to visitors during the 1980s. However, after his estate was taken over by the government in 1998, relocating the hippos proved too difficult. Left to roam freely, the hippos began to breed, leading to the current ecological issues.


Local farmers have reported various problems, including crop damage and attacks. One hippo was hit by a car, and another wandered into a schoolyard, increasing concerns over safety.

"They are a serious threat to the local environment and people," environmental experts stated. Hippos are aggressive animals, particularly when threatened, and can charge at speeds up to 30 kilometers per hour. Their presence has also disrupted the local ecosystem, contaminating water sources and harming native species.

Controlling their population has been challenging. Efforts include sterilization, euthanasia, and relocation. In 2023, Colombian authorities started implementing these measures, with at least 70 hippos being sent to India. The sterilization process, costing about $10,000 per hippo, is time-consuming and difficult due to their anatomy.

Susana Muhamad, Colombia’s environmental minister, noted, "They are in a race against time to prevent permanent environmental and ecosystem impacts." The ongoing efforts aim to balance public safety with preserving Colombia’s ecosystem.