Hacienda Nápoles

Hacienda Nápoles, meaning 'Naples Estate,' was a sprawling private property in Puerto Triunfo, Antioquia Department, Colombia, built by the notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar. Situated approximately 101 km east of Medellín, the estate once covered about 20 km2 (7.7 sq mi) and was a testament to Escobar's immense wealth and eccentricities.

History and Features

The estate was developed to include a variety of attractions beyond a typical residence. It featured a Spanish colonial house, a sculpture park, and a comprehensive zoo populated with animals from different continents, such as antelope, elephants, giraffes, hippopotamuses, ostriches, and exotic birds. Complementing the wildlife were a large collection of luxury cars and motorcycles, a private airport, a brothel, and even a Formula 1-racing track. A replica of a Piper PA-18 Super Cub airplane, a nod to Escobar's aviation interests, was mounted at the entrance gate. Other decorative and historical elements included dinosaur statues, decommissioned military vehicles, and a giant hand sculpture.

Post-Escobar Era and Transformation

Following Pablo Escobar's death in 1993, his family entered into legal disputes with the Colombian government over ownership of the property. The government ultimately prevailed, and the neglected estate was placed under the management of the Municipality of Puerto Triunfo. The significant cost of maintaining the zoo and its animals proved too burdensome for the government, leading to the decision to donate most of the animals to various zoos across South America.

By November 2006, the property had officially passed to the Colombian government. While many original buildings were demolished or repurposed, the estate's unique history and remaining features continued to attract attention. Ownership was valued at approximately $2.23 million USD at that time.

The Hippopotamus Legacy

One of the most enduring and complex legacies of Hacienda Nápoles is its population of hippopotamuses. Escobar initially kept four hippos in a private menagerie. After his death, these animals were deemed too difficult to seize and move, and were left on the untended estate. They subsequently escaped and began to breed and roam freely in the Magdalena River basin, becoming a significant ecological concern. By 2007, their numbers had grown to 16, and by 2011, estimates suggested at least 30 were living wild in the countryside, with reports of 40 more still on the hacienda grounds. The proliferation of these non-native animals has led to scientific debate regarding their impact on native ecosystems and calls for population control, including sterilization and, in some cases, euthanasia.

Hacienda Nápoles as a Theme Park

In 2014, the grounds of Hacienda Nápoles were rented by a private company, leading to the operation of 'Parque Temático Hacienda Nápoles.' This theme park reimagined the estate as a 'Jurassic Park'-style African theme park. It now features a water park, a guided safari attraction, aquariums, and a replica of the caves found in Colombia's Cueva de los Guácharos National Park. A day ticket to the park in late 2018 cost approximately $15 USD. Visitors can still access the Escobar museum, the remnants of his burned car collection, and the abandoned structures of his former house, though some of these, like his house, have reportedly collapsed.

The estate's unique blend of historical infamy, natural wildlife, and modern entertainment continues to draw visitors, making Hacienda Nápoles a site of significant cultural and ecological interest in Colombia.