Pablo Escobar’s hippos undergo sterilization in Columbia

Colombia has embarked on a sterilization campaign for hippos in the country, which are descendants of drug lord Pablo Escobar’s illicitly introduced pets.

With a rising population and no natural predators, these hippos—now numbering over 100 in the Magdalena River basin—have been declared an invasive species, posing a threat to the ecosystem.

In a government effort to control their population, three surgeries were performed, involving two males and one female undergoing surgical sterilization.

The comprehensive plan includes an annual sterilization of 40 hippos, international transfers, and the controversial consideration of euthanasia.