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ecosystems

Four hippos partially submerged in green, algae-covered water.

Plan to kill dozens of wild hippos linked to Pablo Escobar generates fierce debate in Colombia

May 6, 2026Animals

Around 200 hippos are roaming freely near the Colombian town of Doradal, descended from four animals that Pablo Escobar smuggled into Colombia. Now, the government wants to cull dozens of them as their population continues to explode and threatens the local ecosystem. But not everyone wants the animals gone.

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