Hippos Make a Splash in Doradal, Colombia
In the charming town of Doradal, located in central Colombia, the calls of hippos fill the air every afternoon. Locals and visitors gather at a nearby lake, enjoying drinks while they watch these massive creatures float peacefully in the water.
“This has become a major attraction for us,” says Lina Morales, who works at a local hotel. The hippos are descendants of four animals brought to Colombia illegally in the 1980s by infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar, who previously operated a private zoo on his estate.
After the Colombian government took control of Escobar’s properties in 1993, the hippos were left in the wild. Without natural predators, the population grew rapidly. Today, scientists estimate that around 200 hippos roam the rivers and lush forests surrounding Doradal.
However, some experts believe that it’s time to address the issue of their growing population. Biologist Nataly Castelblanco-Martinez points out that the hippos’ waste can alter the water’s chemistry, affecting local plant life. “This could lead to the collapse of underwater plants that rely on oxygen,” she explains. “In turn, this disrupts the entire local food chain.”
As part of efforts to manage the hippo population, Colombia’s government announced a plan in April to potentially cull up to 80 hippos this year. Despite the concerns, many in Doradal see the hippos as an essential part of their community. “We have a unique situation here with wild hippos outside Africa,” notes Tania Galindo, a local business owner. She and others have embraced the hippos’ presence, creating souvenirs and offering hippo safaris to visitors.
Initially, officials attempted to control the hippo numbers through sterilization methods, but these were costly and challenging. Castelblanco-Martinez believes culling is the more effective route, drawing parallels with similar efforts in other countries.
Recently, Indian billionaire Anant Ambani expressed interest in relocating 80 hippos to his wildlife reserve in India, which has sparked debate among experts. Sergio Estrada, a biology professor, is skeptical about the feasibility of such a project. “Imagine the logistics of transporting these animals safely across the world,” he said. He also raised concerns about whether the hippos would thrive in a new environment.
The Colombian Environment Ministry warns that if no action is taken, the hippo population could double in just five years. This prospect might attract more tourists to Doradal but also poses tough decisions for local officials on how to manage the growing hippo population.
