Medellín Hippo Photo: Metro’s Hilarious Response
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On November 2, 2023, a photograph began circulating on X (formerly Twitter) depicting what appeared to be two hippopotamuses in the Río Medellín, near the Tercentenario station of the medellín Metro. the image quickly gained traction, prompting questions about its authenticity and sparking a playful exchange between a user and the Metro de Medellín’s official account.
The Initial Post and Metro’s Response
The image was initially posted by X user Freddys Pastorizo, who identifies as a Geography graduate from the Universidad de Córdoba, a software Operations Technician, and a seventh-semester Industrial Engineering student. Pastorizo inquired with the official Metro de Medellín account, @metrodemedellin, whether the photograph was genuine, specifically asking if it was taken at the Tercentenario station.
Recognizing the image as a clear fabrication, the Metro de Medellín account opted to engage with the post in a humorous manner, continuing the playful interaction rather than immediately debunking it. This approach highlights a growing trend of official accounts using social media to connect with the public through lighthearted engagement.
Pablo Escobar’s Hippos: A Legacy of Wildlife in Colombia
the viral image gained resonance due to the well-documented presence of hippopotamuses in Colombia, a outcome of the drug lord pablo Escobar’s private zoo at Hacienda Nápoles. Escobar imported several hippos in the 1980s, and after his death in 1993, the animals escaped and began to breed.
As of 2023, the hippopotamus population in Colombia is estimated to be around 169 individuals, posing ecological challenges and raising concerns about their impact on the Magdalena River basin. The BBC reports that authorities are grappling with how to manage the growing population, considering options ranging from sterilization to relocation.
The Image is a Fabrication
The photograph circulating on X is a digitally altered image. A reverse image search reveals that the original image depicts hippos in a different location, likely a zoo or wildlife park. The Medellín Metro confirmed the image was not taken at the Tercentenario station,and the playful