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Colombia Approves Culling 80 Hippos Amid Controversy

4/15/2026

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Story summary
  • Colombian officials have approved a plan to cull up to 80 hippos threatening communities and ecosystems.
  • Environment Minister Irene Vélez says past methods, including neutering and relocation, failed due to high costs.
  • The hippos descend from animals brought by drug lord Pablo Escobar and now roam beyond their original habitat.
  • Animal welfare activists oppose the culling and call for non-violent solutions.
  • Over 12 years, neutering efforts have been constrained by logistics.