Escobar has caused the hippo population in Colombia to increase.

It is reported that the number of hippopotamuses imported into Colombia decades ago by Pablo Escobar, the country's notorious drug trafficker, has now grown to an uncontrollable level. These animals, brought for Escobar's private zoo in the Doradal region at the time, rapidly multiplied after being released into the surrounding environment following his death.

Currently, it is estimated that over 80 of these animals roam around the Magdalena River, and this is considered the only wild hippopotamus population in the world outside of Africa.

In light of this situation, Colombian authorities have announced a plan to control the animal population at a cost of $2 million. Under this plan, it has been proposed to euthanize some animals or transport them to zoos in other countries. However, animal rights activists have strongly protested against the decision to euthanize, and it is also mentioned that an Indian billionaire has expressed willingness to house some of these animals in his private wildlife park.

The roaming of these animals near villages has posed a serious threat to the safety of local residents. In the past few years, several instances of people being injured due to hippo attacks have been reported, and accidents have also occurred when they collide with vehicles on roads. Additionally, scientists point out that the waste from these animals has altered the chemical composition of river water, thereby harming fish populations.

Currently, the 'Hacienda Nápoles' premises, where Pablo Escobar's old house was located, have been converted into a theme park, and these hippopotamuses have become the main attraction for tourists visiting it. Although the local tourism industry relies on these animals, the government has been forced to make these difficult decisions due to escalating environmental and safety issues. It is further revealed that unlike other exotic animals such as elephants, giraffes, and pandas introduced by Escobar to the country at that time, only the hippopotamuses have spread so aggressively.