Death sentence for Pablo Escobar's hippos in Colombia

Following the death of drug lord Pablo Escobar in Medellin in 1993, the hippos that escaped from his estate are now threatening human life just like their former owner. Authorities have stated that the animals are now out of control, that it is very difficult to stop the reproduction of the nearly 200 animals, and that they suspect their numbers will exceed a thousand. 

Judges at the Administrative Court in Cundinamarca, Colombia, have ordered the state Ministry of Environment to execute the animals within three months.

Stating that attempts to reduce the herd have failed, the judges said the herd has now reached a size that endangers human life.

While it is noted that there have been attacks on fishermen, Environmental Law Expert Juan Pablo Sarmiento said, "The debate over what to do with invasive species is a global issue," and added the following:

"However, because the presence of hippos in the country has continued for a long time, this situation has now become unsustainable."

"These decisions must be taken with the aim of eradicating invasive species because their impact on the environment poses a risk to humans."

Scientists also stated that a single hippo produces up to 20 kilos of waste every day, but that animal species in Colombia do not feed on this, and that the vegetation is facing the danger of extinction.  

On the other hand, wildlife conservation groups are calling for culling and sterilization to prevent mass killings. Some have even campaigned for the herd to be rounded up and sent to Mexico.

News Source: 12punto