The documentary explores the issue of Pablo Escobar's hippos in Colombia, which have multiplied and are causing problems for the local community. The hippos, now numbering over 160, were initially brought to Colombia as exotic pets by Escobar, but after his death, they were left to roam freely and breed without control. The Colombian government has proposed euthanasia as a solution, but many locals are opposed to this idea, citing the hippos' potential to attract tourists and generate income.
The documentary highlights the complexities of the issue, including the hippos' adaptation to the local ecosystem, their impact on the environment, and the challenges of capturing and relocating them. It also explores alternative solutions, such as sterilization and relocation to sanctuaries in other countries.
The documentary features interviews with local residents, experts, and sanctuary owners, who share their perspectives on the issue. It also showcases the impact of the hippos on the local community, including the destruction of property and the risk of attacks on humans.
Ultimately, the documentary raises questions about the responsibility of authorities to address the problem and the need for a sustainable solution that balances the interests of the local community, the environment, and the hippos themselves.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. There is a sign in the middle of the street in Colombia that says "Danger: Presence of Hippos."
2. Pablo Escobar had hippos as pets, and after his death, they were left unattended and reproduced without control.
3. The hippos have multiplied to over 160 and are scattered in various areas of the region, posing a danger to humans, flora, and fauna.
4. Experts say that by 2035, the number of hippos could be over 1,000.
5. The Colombian government declared hippos an invasive exotic species about four years ago.
6. The ministry proposed euthanasia to control the hippo population, but it is not a popular solution.
7. There are approximately 169 hippos currently, and they have adapted to the local ecosystem.
8. Hippos are born at a rate of two females per year in the region, which is higher than in Africa.
9. Some people steal hippo offspring to sell them for a large amount of money.
10. The hippos are a tourist attraction, and many businesses in the area sell hippo-themed merchandise.
11. A proposal to transfer the hippos to sanctuaries in other parts of the world is being considered, but it would cost around $40,000 per hippo.
12. Traps and pens are being used to catch the hippos, and a management plan is being developed to sterilize them.
13. Ostok Sanctuary in Mexico is involved in the rescue and rehabilitation of hippos.
14. The market price for an adult hippo is between $600 and $1,000, which is lower than the price for an elephant.
15. The Colombian government is working with India, Thailand, and the Philippines to find a solution to the hippo problem.
16. Pillofon, a telecommunications company, has a good signal in the area and is offering a freeze-your-data mode in every plan.
17. A store in Doradal sells souvenirs related to Pablo Escobar, including toy submachine guns.
18. Locals are divided on what to do with the hippos, with some wanting to keep them and others wanting to distribute them to other countries.