The debate continues between Susana Muhamad, the Minister of Environment, and Aníbal Gaviria, the governor of Antioquia, over the fate of the hippos inhabiting the Middle Magdalena region. While the Minister has suggested euthanasia as a potential solution, the Governor insists on exportation.
Muhamad has raised serious concerns about the detrimental impact of the hippos on local ecosystems in Antioquia. She claims that the invasive species has interfered with and damaged the habitats of native fauna such as the manatee, otter, and capybara. In addition, the hippos have been altering the natural hydrological dynamics of the rivers and marshes, compacting soil, causing erosion, and altering plant and animal life in the Magdalena.
She outlined the possible relocation of 85 hippos, with 60 going to India, 15 to the Philippines, and 10 to Mexico. Such a decision would need to adhere to strict ethical standards, ensuring the recipient countries could guarantee the hippos’ well-being and avoid causing environmental issues. Another possibility she proposed was sterilization, with the aim of sterilizing about 40 hippos annually at an estimated cost of 40 million pesos per individual.
Euthanasia was also mentioned as a last resort, after exhausting all other options, but it would have to be performed humanely and in line with stringent protocols.
Reacting to the possibility of euthanasia, Gaviria stated emphatically that there are countries willing to accept these animals and all that’s required is to authorize their export. He believes in preserving life and is keen on discussing the matter with the Minister, suspecting that she might not be fully informed.
It’s worth noting that a memorandum of understanding was signed in late March between various entities to move the hippos to wildlife sanctuaries in countries like India and Mexico, pending bureaucratic procedures.
Currently, there are 169 specimens of this invasive species in Antioquia, a figure that could rise to over a thousand by 2035, considering that 37% of them are of reproductive age.