Colombian officials have authorized a plan to cull dozens of hippos descended from animals originally brought to the country in the 1980s by Pablo Escobar. The decision comes after other population control methods proved costly and ineffective.
The feral hippos, now a unique wild population outside of Africa, have displaced native species and pose a threat to local villagers. Up to 80 hippos may be affected by the measure, though a start date for the cull has not been announced.
Escobar initially brought four hippos to Colombia as part of his private zoo. While the animals have become a tourist attraction, they have also created significant challenges for authorities and residents. Colombia remains the only country outside of Africa with a wild hippo population.