The Audio Long Read
The cocaine kingpin’s wildest legacy: what can be done with Pablo Escobar’s marauding hippos?
Oct 7, 2024
In this fascinating discussion, Joshua Hammer, an author who delves into the intersection of wildlife and human impact, explores Pablo Escobar's notorious legacy through the lens of his hippos. The conversation highlights how these non-native animals have proliferated in Colombia, disrupting local ecosystems. Hammer shares gripping stories about conservation efforts, including the challenges of surgical intervention. The ethical questions surrounding their management and the socio-economic effects on communities add layers to this wild tale of coexistence.
34:00
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Quick takeaways
- Pablo Escobar's legacy has resulted in a significant ecological crisis in Colombia due to the uncontrolled breeding of his former hippos.
- Efforts to manage the hippo population through sterilization face societal challenges, highlighting the emotional attachment Colombians have to these animals.
Deep dives
Legacy of Pablo Escobar's Hippos
Pablo Escobar's legacy extends beyond his infamous drug empire to a unique ecological crisis in Colombia involving the wild hippos he once kept. After Escobar's death in 1993, several hippos were left behind in his estate as they were deemed too dangerous to relocate. Without natural predators or human control, the hippo population has since thrived, leading to significant ecological challenges including potential harm to local farmers and wildlife. Estimates suggest the population could grow to over 1,400 by 2040 if left unmanaged, prompting urgent calls for intervention.
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