Escobar's Estate Transformed: A Park Amidst Hippo Challenges
The estate of late drug lord Pablo Escobar in Puerto Triunfo, Colombia, has undergone a significant transformation. Once a private zoo and a symbol of his lavish lifestyle, 300 hectares of the property have been turned into a recreational park. However, the legacy of Escobar's exotic animals continues to pose challenges.
Escobar, who led the Medellín drug cartel until his death in 1993, filled his estate with exotic creatures, including four Nile hippos. These hippos, descendants of Escobar's original purchase, have multiplied rapidly, causing environmental and safety concerns for the nearby community. The large, aggressive animals now number over 50 and have been involved in several incidents, including the destruction of crops and even attacks on humans.
The transformation of Escobar's estate into a public park is part of Colombia's ongoing efforts to move past its tumultuous history. The country has been grappling with civil war and drug-related crime for over five decades. The recreational park, which includes a plane hanging at the entrance gate supposedly used by Escobar for his first cocaine smuggling trip to the USA, serves as a reminder of the past while offering a space for community recreation and environmental conservation.
Meanwhile, a women's organization has been granted permission by the national land authority ANT to cultivate and build homes on 120 hectares of land within the estate. This decision aims to empower local women and provide them with a sustainable source of income.
The recreational park on Escobar's former estate in Puerto Triunfo stands as a testament to Colombia's efforts to reclaim and repurpose its troubled past. While the presence of Escobar's hippos remains a challenge, the park offers a space for community enjoyment and environmental management. The land grant to the women's organization also signifies a step towards empowering local communities and promoting sustainable development.
