The hippos of Colombia - 22nd February 2021

Hippos are usually found in Africa. Now, there are hippos living in Colombia. The number is growing quickly. This is worrying environmental scientists.

The hippos had originally lived in a secret zoo which belonged to Pablo Escobar. The famous drug lord was killed by police in 1993. His zoo animals were found new homes. But the zoo's four hippos were too difficult to move.

Today, the hippo population is between 80 and 120 animals. It will increase to over a thousand by the 2030s. Scientists have said that 30 hippos need to be killed each year to save local wildlife.

There are no local animals which hunt hippos. Colombia's tropical weather is also more suitable. In Africa, long periods of dry weather help to manage numbers.

Research shows that hippos are a danger to Colombia's wildlife. They are a threat to river systems, and humans are in danger too. Hippos are one of the most deadly animals.

Some people can only see hippos as cute. They don't want any hippos to be killed and have threatened scientists.