In the 1980s, Pablo Escobar brought 4 hippos to Colombia. Today, they have become the world's largest invasive hippo population

Pablo Escobar's four imported hippos have spawned Colombia's largest invasive population, disrupting local ecosystems. These robust animals now inhabit rivers and wetlands, where their waste significantly alters water chemistry and oxygen levels. Authorities are challenged with managing the fast-growing population while balancing animal welfare and considerable costs involved. Effective strategies are crucial to mitigate their environmental impact on native species.