How Did Hippos Get to Colombia and by Whom?
The hippos in Colombia originated from a small group illegally imported by drug trafficker Pablo Escobar during the 1980s. Escobar transported exotic animals from Africa and elsewhere to populate a private zoo on his estate, Hacienda Nápoles. Among these animals were four hippopotamuses, which became the founders of the current population.
After Escobar died in 1993, the Colombian government seized the estate and relocated many exotic species to formal zoos. However, the hippos were considered too large and dangerous to transport, so they were left behind.
Where Were They Kept and How Did They Escape into the Wild
Initially, the hippos lived in artificial lakes and enclosures within Hacienda Nápoles. Once the property was abandoned and oversight ended, the animals began roaming beyond the estate. They entered nearby waterways and eventually dispersed into the Magdalena River basin.
From there, they established feral populations in rivers and wetlands. Small groups migrated considerable distances, and some have been documented many miles from their original location.
How Much Have They Expanded
The population has grown exponentially due to abundant resources and the absence of natural predators. Estimates in recent years place the population around 160 to 170 individuals, though counts vary by study and census.
Scientists warn that without intervention, the number could reach approximately 1,000 or more within a decade or two, potentially up to around 1,400 by the 2030s or early 2040s.
Geographically, hippos have expanded along river systems, particularly the Magdalena River, which serves as a primary corridor for dispersal.
Habitat
Colombian hippos inhabit freshwater lakes, marshes, rivers, and floodplain ecosystems. The tropical climate and plentiful vegetation resemble parts of their native African habitats, enabling rapid population growth.
They may also compete with native wildlife, disrupt habitats, and threaten biodiversity. Without natural predators, their populations can expand rapidly, increasing ecological pressure.
Human safety is another issue. Hippos are territorial and aggressive, capable of attacking people and damaging crops or infrastructure. Conflicts between humans and hippos have grown more common as the animals expand their range.
Relationship to Humans
The Colombian hippos have a complex relationship with local communities. Some residents view them as unique attractions that bring tourism and economic activity. Others see them as dangerous invasive animals that threaten farms, roads, and waterways.
Increased encounters with people have prompted government intervention plans, public education campaigns, and scientific research initiatives aimed at balancing safety with conservation concerns.
What Should Be Done Next
Colombia is exploring multiple management strategies, including sterilization programs, relocation to sanctuaries in other countries, and the development of humane euthanasia protocols as a last resort.
Scientists emphasize the need for long-term monitoring, ecological research, and policy decisions based on environmental impact data. Some experts also call for international collaboration to manage the human population humanely while protecting native ecosystems.
Conclusions
The Colombian hippo population represents an unusual ecological experiment created by human activity. Descended from a handful of animals imported for a private zoo, the population has grown into one of the largest feral hippo groups outside Africa. Their expansion has created both opportunities and risks, from tourism and ecological curiosity to serious environmental and safety concerns.
Future management will require a careful balance between conservation ethics, ecosystem protection, and human welfare. As research continues, policymakers must evaluate both the ecological consequences and the social significance of these animals to determine a sustainable path forward.
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References
- ESCH, S. (2021) “Hippopotamus Dead or Alive: Animals and Trauma in Narratives of the Drug War,” Revista hispánica moderna, 74(2), pp. 184–199. [Accessed 19/02/2026]
- Borroto-Páez, R. (2009) “Invasive mammals in Cuba: an overview,” Biological invasions, 11(10), pp. 2279–2290. [Accessed 19/02/2026]
- Perveen, F.K. (ed.) (2023) Sustainable wildlife management. London: IntechOpen [Accessed 19/02/2026]
