Colombia to cull 'cocaine hippos'

The Colombian government will begin euthanizing an initial 80 hippos in the second half of 2026 as part of a larger population control effort.

The feral animals, known as 'cocaine hippos,' have multiplied rapidly since Escobar's death, with over 160 now roaming the Magdalena River basin.

While the hippos have become a popular tourist attraction, scientists warn they are causing irreversible damage to the ecosystem.

The plan has sparked a heated debate between conservationists and animal rights activists who advocate for sterilization or relocation instead.