Escobar's Hippos: Contraceptives Instead of Culling
The Colombian drug lord Escobar once acquired hippos for his private zoo.
In the face of the unchecked spread of Pablo Escobar's hippos authorities and institutions in Colombia are seeking a joint solution.
Contraceptives Instead of Culling
«We have requested support from the Colombian embassy in obtaining the long-term contraceptive GonaCon», said a statement from the regional environmental agency Cornare.
In the journal «Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences», researchers argue that hippos are merely filling an ecological niche that was originally occupied by other large mammals. Thus, the hippos are not a threat, but rather restore the function of several extinct species.
Largest Hippo Herd Outside Africa
Drug lord Escobar once brought four African hippos to his Hacienda Nápoles; most recently, an estimated 65 to 80 animals were roaming the region. Other options such as chemical castration are also now being considered.
