Why hippo tourism in Colombia is not a good idea?

Abstract

The presence of wild hippopotamuses (Hippopotamus amphibius) in Colombia due to the establishment of Pablo Escobar’s private zoo in the 1980s has led to tourism activities centered on this non-native megafauna. Here, I argue that promoting hippo-based tourism in Colombia is ecologically detrimental, potentially dangerous, and, ultimately, unsustainable. Furthermore, I contend that the economic benefits of such tourism go to a few inexperienced operators and provide minimal economic spillover to local communities. The article proposes alternative strategies,including the creation of a museum dedicated to educating the public about the relationship between drug trafficking, illegal wildlife trade, and invasive species to mitigate the perceived economic los from discontinuing hippo tourism. I conclude that this type of tourism may seem economically attractive in the short term but its risks and challenges far outweigh any potential benefits, calling for a more responsible, science-based approach to managing this unique conservation challenge.