Colombia will roll out a plan in the second half of 2026 to rein in its invasive hippopotamus population, with an initial measure calling for the euthanasia of about 80 animals, Environment Minister Irene Velez said on Monday.
Officials estimate roughly 200 hippos currently inhabit the central region near the Magdalena River. Velez warned that without intervention the numbers could surge to as many as 1,000 by 2035, presenting mounting risks to local ecosystems and freshwater quality.
"We must act to reduce the hippopotamus population. These actions are essential to protect our ecosystems and our native species," Velez said, pointing specifically to threats facing river turtles and manatees as well as increased water pollution linked to the expanding hippo population.
The government has allocated 7.2 billion pesos - about $1.98 million - for the program, which encompasses confinement, relocation and the initial euthanasia measure. Velez added that authorities believe there may be approximately 80 individuals that could be subject to the measure.
Colombia's hippo population traces back to four animals illegally brought into the country in the 1980s by the late drug trafficker Pablo Escobar, who established a private zoo on one of his properties. Since then the population has multiplied largely without effective national controls, despite intermittent efforts by provincial environmental agencies.
As part of the strategy, Colombian officials have engaged in talks with eight foreign governments about accepting transfers of some animals to zoos or sanctuaries. Countries involved in those discussions include India, Mexico, the Philippines, Ecuador, Peru and South Africa. However, Velez said the necessary authorizations to carry out such transfers have not yet been obtained.
Complicating relocation efforts, the hippos in Colombia exhibit genetic defects caused by inbreeding, a condition that has reduced interest from some institutions that might otherwise receive animals. Authorities emphasized that confinement and relocation are components of the program alongside the planned euthanasia.
The ministry framed the measures as urgently needed to prevent ecological degradation and to safeguard native wildlife and water resources in the Magdalena River basin.