×
GreekEnglish

×
  • Politics
  • Diaspora
  • World
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Cooking
Sunday
19
Jul 2026
weather symbol
Athens 36°C
  • Home
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • World
  • Diaspora
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Mediterranean Cooking
  • Weather
Contact follow Protothema:
Powered by Cloudevo
> World

The “cocaine hippos” have become a huge headache for Colombia

Back in 1981, Escobar illegally imported one male and three female hippopotamuses...

Newsroom June 7 06:30

Δείτε περισσότερα άρθρα μας στα αποτελέσματα αναζήτησης

Add Protothema.gr on Google

Infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar may be long gone, however he’s still wreaking havoc on his native Colombia thanks to his thriving hippos.

Back in 1981, Escobar illegally imported one male and three female hippopotamuses (Hippopotamus amphibius) from a zoo in the US, and moved them onto his private ranch at Hacienda Nápoles.

After his death in 1993, the African animals were left largely to their own devices, breeding and dispersing into the surrounding areas, establishing a healthy population along the Magdalena River.

See Also:

>Related articles

Historic photo: 19 years ago Messi bathed baby Yamal — Tomorrow they’ll face each other in the World Cup Final

Very few ships are now passing through the Strait of Hormuz

Parasite found in fast-food chain’s lettuce linked to diarrheal outbreak in the U.S.

Mike Pence announces White House bid

Now, a Colombian environment ministry census, conducted with local and US scientists, has revealed there are twice as many of the hefty herbivores as originally expected, with as many as 215 likely.

Read more: New Atlas

Ask me anything

Explore related questions

#cocaine#colombia#hippo#hippopotamus#Pablo Escobar#world
> More World

Follow en.protothema.gr on Google News and be the first to know all the news

See all the latest News from Greece and the World, the moment they happen, at en.protothema.gr

> Latest Stories

Five major anti-drought projects: New water networks, desalination plants and modern infrastructure from Thessaloniki to Leros

July 19, 2026

July holiday getaway peaks as passenger traffic surges at the Port of Piraeus – See photos

July 19, 2026

Estimated University Admission scores: Medical and Engineering schools expected to rise, eclines forecast elsewhere

July 19, 2026

Tsitsipas on Sakkari’s final berth: Proud of Maria, It’s a special moment

July 19, 2026

How the arson and extortion ring operated in Messinia: They set fire to the fields of farmers who didn’t pay them; what the authorities are investigating

July 19, 2026

72-hour heatwave: Which areas will be hit, where temperatures could reach 43°C, according to Tsatrafyllias

July 18, 2026

The body found in a suitcase in Kypseli belongs to a woman: It is in an advanced state of decomposition; she was wearing shorts

July 18, 2026

Body found inside suitcase in Kypseli

July 18, 2026
All News

> Greece

In reverence, the emotional deposition in Jerusalem, see photos & video

The Holy Temple of the Resurrection opened after many days due to the war between Israel and Iran

April 10, 2026

In the final stretch for the accreditation of joint master’s degrees: Aiming for their launch in the coming academic year

April 10, 2026

Schedule for Epitaph Procession today (10/4)

April 10, 2026

Perfect weather for Easter excursions, according to Tsatrafyllia’s forecast

April 10, 2026

Easter in Greece: The customs that continue in Greek tradition – From Nafpaktos to Corfu

April 10, 2026
Homepage
PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION POLICY COOKIES POLICY TERM OF USE
Powered by Cloudevo
Copyright © 2026 Πρώτο Θέμα