Escobar’s Hippos: Reshaping Colombia’s Ecosystem

In Colombia, decades after the reign of drug lord Pablo Escobar, his legacy extends beyond crime. The hippos he imported have now become an unexpected ecological force. These animals, once exotic pets, thrive in the Magdalena River basin, raising complex questions about invasive species management. As these hippos proliferate, their impact on the ecosystem stirs debate, blending environmental concerns with legal and governmental challenges.