The Colombian Ministry of the Environment pointed out that this country faces a complex environmental challenge with the expansion of the hippopotamus as an invasive exotic species, which requires “responsible decisions.”
“Alternatives such as translocation have been explored without success due to international restrictions and operational limitations, while the sterilization is not enough to reduce the existing population,” this institution justified.
The translocation, the entity explained, depends on the acceptance of receiving countries and compliance with international requirements, such as CITES permits.
Colombia assured that it has negotiated with seven countries, without obtaining positive responses for the relocation of these individuals.
- Ecuador (two individuals): Waiting for a response from the relevant Ministry.
- Peru (two individuals): It was approved by the Ministry of the Environment of that country, but the Parque de las Leyendas expressed its refusal due to lack of additional areas.
- Philippines (15 individuals): The Ministry of the branch approved five individuals, but the zoo backed out due to costs.
- India (60 individuals): Awaiting a response from the relevant Ministry.
- Mexico (10 individuals): Ministry denied request.
- Dominican Republic (2 individuals): Awaiting a response.
- South Africa (10 individuals): Waiting for a response from the relevant Ministry.
- Chili: Cornare’s recent management.
Despite this attempt, it was generally indicated that the transfer to natural ecosystems “is not viable”, because they are extensive procedures and because it depends on the authorization of the receiving country.
In the posts of this institution, it is insisted that “although this alternative will continue to be explored at the diplomatic level, the objective is to reduce the current population.”
The Minister of Environment (e), Irene Vélez, explained that a investment of more than 7,000 million pesos ($405,198) for the implementation of measures, such as euthanasia, transfer and confinement (sterilization), along with complementary strategies, to progressively reduce its population.
The environmental entity alleged that experts have recommended advance euthanasia as a necessary measure to contain and control this species. It is estimated that there are about 200 hippos in the wild in the country. “They are decisions based on technical and scientific criteria, aimed at protecting biodiversity and the balance of ecosystems,” he noted.
The Euthanasia would be applied to at least 80 hippos during the second half of this 2026 to prevent its reproduction, according to the announcement of the Government of Colombia.
This decision has generated divided opinions. “Do not disguise the crime, it is not euthanasia, it is called murder,” questions one user, while another criticized: “Who would believe that the government of ‘life’ was going to be the one that would end up killing more than 100 hippos for not allocating resources to take other measures such as separating males and females in captivity in some reserve…”.
Likewise, other Colombians expressed their support for the Government’s measure. “Maintaining a population of more than 160 individuals is economically and environmentally unsustainable. Without population control, the damage to our local fauna will be irreversible,” said a user in X. (I)
