Colombia's Hippo Problem: Relocating Escobar's Cocaine Hippos

0:00On April 2-8, Columbia faces a wild problem from Pablo Escobar's old zoo, a herd of hippos that's exploded into an invasive nightmare. Back in the 90s, the drug lord brought in a pair from Africa, and after he died, they roamed free along the Magdalena River. Now there are over 160 of them, an official's plan to call around 80 since other fixes like castration didn't work. These beasts are thriving in Columbia's swampy spots with no natural enemies, pushing out local animals and even attacking fishing villages. Adult males tip the scales at up to three tons, making them a real danger to folks nearby. Environmentalists call them the largest hippogroup outside Africa, and they're dead set on wiping out native wildlife. Communities along the river live in fear from these aggressive intruders. Enter a Nant Ambani, son of India's richest man, offering to ship the whole herd to his massive Vantara Zoo in Gujarat. Getting 3,500 acres has got 2,000 species already, and his team promises lifelong care and

1:02a letter to Columbia's. Environment Minister, Columbia hasn't responded yet, but this could shift the plan from killing to relocating, giving these cocaine hippos a new home, far from Escobars. Shadow, this has been Global News Today, Powered by AI, I'm Cory with a Story.