Pablo Escobar’s hippos are taking over the swamps of Colombia – and must face the same fate as their deceased owner before they become impossible to control, scientists have warned.
The so-called ‘cocaine hippos’ were illegally imported into the country by the infamous drug lord, who was shot dead by authorities in 1993, reports Telegraph.
But the fast-breeding animals have now become the largest invasive species on the planet – and could reach dangerous numbers in the next two decades.
“Nobody likes the idea of shooting a hippo, but we have to accept that no other strategy is going to work,” said ecologist Nataly Castelblanco-Martínez.
When Escobar was killed, authorities took control of his 7,000-acre estate, including a personal zoo.
While most animals elsewhere found homes in zoos, four of the hippos escaped.
With no real predators, there are between 80 and 100 descendants of the former Escobar pets terrorizing the country’s lakes and rivers, reports Telegraph.
Scientists have predicted that the hippopotamus population would increase to 1,500 by 2024.
The hippos pose a threat to wildlife because their urine and feces are toxic and can make other species and even humans sick, reports Telegraph.
David Echeverri Lopez, a government environmentalist, said they were rushing to castrate the insects before taking over.
‘These hippos have become part of the local identity. But time is running out, ”he said.
But others fear that there is no other option but to slaughter them.
“Relocation was possible 30 years ago, when there were only four hippos,” Castelblanco-Martínez told the outlet.
“Castration could also have been effective if officials had provided enough resources for the program early on, but a result is now the only option.”