Colombian baby hippo of Escobar stock dies after rescue

A baby hippopotamus, native to Africa, but now prevalent in Colombia, succumbed to its injuries just days after being rescued, according to an environmental organization's report. The infant, estimated to be around 15 days old, was discovered by fishermen on a riverbank in the absence of its mother. The baby hippo had been afflicted by dehydration, malnutrition, and an acute gastrointestinal issue that complicated its overall health.

Despite the rescue efforts led by the Cornare environmental organization, the animal's condition failed to improve, and it ultimately succumbed to its injuries. The hippo was subsequently transferred to the Hacienda Napoles sanctuary, a former property of the notorious drug lord, Pablo Escobar, now functioning as a theme park. Escobar had imported four hippos to the estate in the 1980s for his personal zoo.

Following Escobar's demise in 1993, the animals escaped and established a population along the banks of the Magdalena River. These hippos have been causing ecological disruption and have even posed a threat to local residents. In response, the government recently approved a plan to cull approximately 80 of these invasive hippos. This plan was formulated after sterilization attempts to control their population faltered.