• Colombia plans to cull up to 80 hippos to control their growing population.
• The hippos, descendants of animals brought by Pablo Escobar, pose risks to local ecosystems.
• Animal welfare activists are strongly opposed to the culling plan.
• The hippos have become a significant tourist attraction over the years.
• Previous population control measures have been deemed ineffective and costly.

Colombian officials have authorized a plan to cull up to 80 hippos that are wreaking havoc on local ecosystems in the fertile region around the Magdalena River. Environment Minister Irene Vélez stated the decision comes after other population control methods, such as neutering and relocating the animals, proved too expensive and ineffective. "Without this action, it is impossible to control the population," Vélez remarked, warning that projections suggest the hippo population could reach 500 by 2030 if not addressed, thereby threatening species like manatees and river turtles in the area, according to Los Angeles Times, Al Jazeera, and Africa News.

The Colombian hippos are descendants of four individuals introduced by notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar in the 1980s, and have since multiplied significantly. Originally hosted at Escobar's Hacienda Nápoles, a recent estimate suggests about 170 hippos are currently roaming in the wild. Their presence has raised significant concerns among local authorities, as these sizable animals can weigh over four tons and pose a danger to villagers, as well as compete with native wildlife for food and habitat, according to Los Angeles Times and Africa News.

Despite the ecological implications, the hippos have become a popular tourist attraction in Colombia, with local communities capitalizing on tourism around hippo encounters through organized tours and themed merchandise. However, animal rights advocates have voiced strong opposition to the culling plan, arguing against using lethal methods to control the population. They claim the decision reflects poorly on Colombia, a nation that has endured challenges associated with violence and conflict, according to Al Jazeera and Africa News.