# Invasive hippopotamus management in Colombia

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/invasive-hippopotamus-management-in-colombia
> Updated: 2026-08-07T17:36:55.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2.

A newborn hippopotamus, part of an invasive population in Colombia descended from animals imported by Pablo Escobar, was rescued by wildlife officials in the Puerto Nare municipality of Antioquia after being found malnourished and dehydrated. 

Despite veterinary efforts to stabilize the calf at the Hacienda Nápoles sanctuary, the animal died from chronic dehydration, malnutrition, and an acute gastrointestinal condition. The incident underscores the ongoing ecological challenges and management difficulties posed by the growing hippopotamus colony in the region.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-07: Hippopotamus calf dies following rescue attempt in Antioquia

A newborn hippopotamus, a descendant of Pablo Escobar's escaped animals, died in Antioquia, Colombia, despite rescue efforts by Cornare after being found dehydrated and malnourished.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hippopotamus-calf-dies-following-rescue-attempt-in-antioquia

### 2026-08-05: Colombia rescues newborn “cocaine hippo” at Hacienda Nápoles

Colombian officials rescued a malnourished newborn hippo, part of the invasive “cocaine hippo” herd descended from Pablo Escobar, and moved it to the Hacienda Nápoles sanctuary amid government plans to cull the

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colombia-rescues-newborn-cocaine-hippo-at-hacienda-npoles

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Cite as: Invasive hippopotamus management in Colombia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/invasive-hippopotamus-management-in-colombia