Podcast Summary
Hippos in Colombia: Wildlife veterinarian Dr. Gina Paolo Serna shared insights about hippos, the second largest land mammals on Earth, which have a population in Colombia due to Pablo Escobar's zoo. These hippos, which can grow up to 16 feet long and weigh around three to four tons, can be dangerous, with around 500 people being killed by them every year in Africa.
Phoebe from Criminal is asking listeners to fill out a survey to help improve their podcast, and they are embarking on a second leg of their 10th anniversary tour in various cities. Additionally, Dr. Gina Paolo Serna, a wildlife veterinarian, shared insights about hippos, which are the second largest land mammals on the planet, known for their territorial behavior and dangerous attacks. Hippos have dry, sensitive skin that requires them to secrete a protective fluid. They can grow up to 16 feet long and weigh around three to four tons. Hippos were once thought to have originated in Africa, but there is a population of them in Colombia due to Pablo Escobar bringing four hippos to his private zoo in the 1970s. Escobar's zoo contained various animals, including hippos, which were smuggled in from other countries. The population of hippos in Colombia is estimated to be around 160, and they can be dangerous, with around 500 people being killed by them every year in Africa.
Escobar's Free Zoo: A notorious drug lord opened a free, cage-free zoo for public interaction, showcasing an unexpected side of his life before his criminal activities became known
Pablo Escobar, a notorious Colombian drug lord, opened a free zoo for the public in the 1970s, long before his criminal activities gained notoriety. The speaker, who grew up visiting this zoo, described it as an open, cage-free sanctuary where visitors could interact with some animals. Escobar's zoo was unique in contrast to others in those days, and he famously declared it to be free for the people. At the time, Escobar was seen as a local hero, and his wealth from the drug trade allowed him to build neighborhoods and acquire luxurious items. However, the criminal side of his life was not yet a public concern.
Power and Ambition: Unchecked power and ambition can lead to destructive consequences, as demonstrated by Pablo Escobar's transformation from a generous figure to a violent warlord
Wealth and power can lead to unchecked ambition, even for those who were once known for their generosity. Pablo Escobar, a wealthy and influential figure in Medellin, Colombia, in the 70s and 80s, was renowned for his kindness and generosity. However, his desire for more power and control led him to run for Congress and later, attempt to become Colombia's president. Escobar used his wealth and influence to manipulate the political system, including bribing officials and intimidating opponents. When his immunity was revoked, he responded with violence, launching a brutal war against the government and anyone who opposed him. The result was a devastating conflict that lasted for years and claimed many lives. This story serves as a reminder that unchecked power and ambition can lead to destructive consequences.
Daily Routines in Chaotic Times: In times of chaos and violence, daily routines and essentials can provide comfort and stability, allowing people to prioritize practicality and focus on their well-being.
During the 1980s in Colombia, drug violence reached unprecedented levels, leading to the deaths of numerous judges and civilians. The danger was so high that anonymity was granted to judges, who came to be known as "faceless judges." This period was marked by frequent bombings and murders, with Medellin being reported as the most dangerous city in the world. Despite the danger, people continued their daily routines, with rituals and essentials playing important roles. For instance, the Sunday routine column in the New York Times and multivitamins like Rituals Essential for Women provided comfort and stability amidst the chaos. Similarly, affordable luxury essentials from Quince helped people prioritize quality and practicality in their wardrobes. Through it all, healthcare professionals like Hori Karabaya's parents continued to serve their communities, providing vital care to the wounded.
Medellin Conflict: The Medellin conflict during the late 80s and early 90s left everyone either as a perpetrator or a victim, making it impossible to live outside of it, resulting in widespread terror and destruction.
During the late 80s and early 90s in Medellin, Colombia, everyone was either a perpetrator or a victim in the ongoing conflict between the government and drug cartels. Gina Serena, the speaker's mother, would encounter hitmen, cops, military, and civilians, all of whom were caught up in the violence. The bombing of a newspaper office and a passenger plane, both claimed by the extraditables, demonstrated the widespread terror and destruction. Amidst this chaos, Gina's interest in animals waned, and she turned to studying philosophy instead. The conflict made it impossible for people to live outside of it, and even the Colombian presidential candidate was not spared. Pablo Escobar, the leader of the extraditables, declared total war on the government and lived in a self-built, high-security jail called the Cathedral, where he continued to control his empire. When the government discovered his luxurious living conditions, they tried to move him to a regular prison, leading to his escape. This period of violence and fear left a deep impact on Gina, and she vividly remembers the constant presence of helicopters and military forces in the city.
Medellin's transformation: Significant investments in public transportation, urban design, parks, and libraries have transformed Medellin from a dangerous city to a tourist attraction, connecting previously disadvantaged neighborhoods.
Medellin, Colombia, which was once known as the most dangerous place in the world due to Pablo Escobar's drug cartel and violence, has undergone an extraordinary transformation in the last few decades. This transformation was brought about by significant investments in public transportation, urban design, parks, and libraries, connecting previously disadvantaged neighborhoods. However, the legacy of Pablo Escobar still lingers, with his image present in graffiti, stickers, and even narco tours. Despite the city's progress, some people still struggle to come to terms with its past. Jorge, who lived through the violence, has chosen to focus on the present and the city's remarkable transformation. The city now attracts tourists, but it still grapples with its connection to drug trafficking.
Escobar's Estate Hippos: Pablo Escobar's abandoned estate in Colombia has become a surprising habitat for a large population of hippos, who thrive and multiply in the region due to ample water, food, and lack of predators.
The fascinating story of Pablo Escobar's former estate in Colombia, which has transformed into unexpected habitats for various animals, particularly hippos. Escobar's family resided in a grand building in El Polado, which was targeted by the Kali cartel with a car bomb. The building, now empty, serves as a reminder of Escobar's past. The Colombian government took control of his estate after his death, including the zoo, which they relocated many animals from but left the hippos due to their aggression and difficulty to manage. These hippos thrived and multiplied, creating a population that now roams the region. Gina Paolo Serna, a vet, shares her experience observing these hippos in their natural habitat while working for a government environmental office. The region, once associated with Escobar's criminal empire, is now known for its unique hippo population, living freely in their "paradise" with ample water, food, and no predators.
Human-hippo conflict: Conflict between humans and hippos over limited resources can lead to negative consequences for both animals and local communities, including aggressive behavior, destruction of crops, and decline of fish populations
The displacement of wildlife, in this case hippos, from their natural habitats due to human conflict and environmental degradation can lead to significant negative consequences for both the animals and local communities. The hippos, once tame and harmless neighbors, became aggressive and destructive as they were forced to share limited resources with each other. Their presence led to the decline of fish populations and the destruction of crops, posing a threat to the livelihoods and safety of local people. Attempts to control their population through hunting and sterilization have been met with controversy and challenges, highlighting the complexities and risks associated with human-animal conflicts and wildlife conservation efforts.
Hippo surgeries challenges: Hippo surgeries are complex, time-consuming, and expensive, with females presenting additional challenges due to their size. The Colombian government aims to sterilize 40 hippos a year but faces ongoing overpopulation issues.
Hippo surgeries are a complex and costly process, taking weeks of preparation and up to three days for each surgery, which can cost around $10,000. Female hippos present additional challenges due to their larger size and the extensive muscle and skin cutting required to access their organs. The Colombian government aims to sterilize 40 hippos a year and considers relocating some to sanctuaries and zoos, but the problem of overpopulation persists. Hippos, known for their size, power, and elusive nature, continue to pose a challenge and leave an enduring impact in Colombia, much like their infamous association with Pablo Escobar. Despite the difficulties, some continue to dedicate their efforts to hippo conservation.