Buzz
Pablo Escobar, one of the most notorious drug lords in history, has been popularized by the Netflix series Narcos. While his criminal empire is well-known, there are still many lesser-known details about his life that aren’t often discussed. Here are 10 things you won’t find in most history books about Escobar.
10. He’s Responsible for the Hippos Roaming in Colombia
Pablo Escobar, famous for his drug trafficking activities, didn’t just import narcotics—he also brought a herd of hippos to his private zoo!
When Escobar’s reign ended, the hippos weren’t euthanized or sent away. Instead, they were left to roam free, and today, they inhabit areas near the Amazon River. These animals adapted quickly to the South American environment, which closely mirrors their native African habitat.
While some of Escobar's hippos are kept within the grounds of his former estate, which has now been turned into an amusement park, others have been set free in the wild.
The debate surrounding the fate of Escobar's hippos continues today. Should they be euthanized to erase any traces of Pablo's legacy, or should they be preserved as part of Colombia's history?
9. Escobar Played a Key Role in Medellin’s Revitalization
In recent years, Medellin has become one of South America's hottest tourist destinations, regularly appearing on top travel lists.
But the city wasn't always this way. A significant part of its transformation can be traced back to Pablo Escobar's influence. While he is infamous for bringing it to global attention, it’s the city’s ongoing efforts to overcome his dark legacy that have helped it shine today.
To address the violence, poverty, and crime plaguing the city, the government has invested heavily in urban development for the past 30 years. This effort has led to remarkable changes, including the creation of Colombia’s first and only metro system.
Additionally, Medellin has made a concerted effort to remove sites linked to Escobar's legacy, transforming them into parks and cultural spaces. For example, the Monaco Building, where Escobar once lived, was demolished just two years ago and replaced with a memorial park honoring the victims of his violent reign.
8. There Is Ongoing Speculation Regarding the True Cause of His Death
While the United States DEA claims responsibility for capturing and killing Pablo Escobar on a rooftop in Medellin, some believe the truth is different. According to Escobar’s son, the drug lord was highly skilled at evading law enforcement, implementing strict protocols to protect himself and his family by staying undercover and avoiding phone calls.
Even though Escobar was aware that the DEA was tracking him and his communications, he made a phone call to his son from a landline. During the call, he revealed his location and said a peculiar farewell, advising his son to stay safe. A few hours later, the DEA ambushed Escobar on a nearby rooftop and shot him dead.
Although many attribute Escobar's capture to diligent detective work, the circumstances surrounding it seem suspicious. This has led many to speculate whether Escobar may have actually wanted to be caught, signaling the end of his reign as the ruthless ruler of Medellin.
7. He Was Devoted to His Family
It might be hard to fathom, given the destruction and bloodshed Escobar was responsible for, but he had a deep love for his family.
According to his wife and children, Pablo went to great lengths to ensure their safety, well-being, and affection. He was capable of horrific acts, like torturing a man, yet would return home as if nothing had occurred.
In addition, Escobar made sure his children were raised with values of kindness and compassion. While this may seem contradictory to his violent lifestyle, it appears that Escobar, at some level, recognized the wrongness of his actions and desired a better life for his children.
Escobar’s efforts to protect his family were successful, as they managed to stay safe despite his criminal activities. They continue to live quietly today, staying out of the spotlight and maintaining a low profile.
6. His Prison Was More Like a Luxury Retreat
In 1991, Pablo Escobar struck a deal with the Colombian government where he agreed to serve a prison sentence to avoid being extradited to the United States. Escobar understood that the repercussions of being sent to the U.S. would be far worse than anything he could face in Colombia.
But while Escobar agreed to a five-year prison term, he did so on his own terms. He had a private facility constructed where he would serve his time, though it was far from a typical prison. Rather, he created an extravagant residence complete with a bar, a nightclub, a billiards room, and other lavish amenities.
Escobar had frequent visitors and lived in luxury. Though he was technically incarcerated, he still enjoyed the lifestyle of a king, far removed from the conditions most prisoners endure.
5. You Can Meet His Brother in Medellin
While Escobar’s family keeps a low profile, one relative bucks the trend. This family member is very much alive, thriving, and profiting from the infamous legacy of Escobar. His brother is still very much in the public eye.
In Medellin, various Pablo Escobar tours are popular among tourists. At the conclusion of these tours, which explore the major landmarks tied to the drug lord's life, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a coffee with Roberto, Escobar’s older brother.
Though Roberto is typically quiet and introverted, he’s open to reflecting on the past. He’s also happy to pose for photos with tourists and offer insight into what life was like during the dark reign of his younger sibling.
4. One of His Old Residences Has Been Transformed into a Theme Park
Although the opulent Monaco building was demolished a few years ago, one of Escobar’s estates remains standing: Hacienda Napoles.
Hacienda Napoles was one of Escobar’s many holiday homes nestled in the Antioquian countryside. What sets this place apart is that, rather than tearing it down, the Antioquian authorities opted to transform it into an amusement park. Today, you can enjoy water slides, swimming pools, and a petting zoo when you visit.
There are no nods to Pablo here either. Unless you’re in the know about the history of the hacienda, you’d never suspect the dark past hidden within its walls.
3. He Nearly Became the President of Colombia
It may be difficult to comprehend, considering his role in the violence, but Pablo Escobar was an extremely popular figure for many people in Medellin. While most were aware of his violent crimes, his intimidation tactics, and his manipulative methods, Escobar still managed to win the affection of his local community.
Escobar used tactics akin to a modern-day Robin Hood to win the admiration and loyalty of the local people. He generously donated vast sums of money to the poor in various parts of the city, handing out cash in exchange for favors and securing their silence.
As a result, many of the city's impoverished residents viewed him as a hero, someone who was improving their lives. In fact, Pablo became so popular that he decided to run for president! His campaign gained so much traction that, had it not been for Minister of Justice Rodrigo Lara Bonilla’s public condemnation of Escobar’s criminal activities, he likely would have won the election.
While Bonilla prevented the country from being ruled by a tyrant, he paid with his life.
2. His Former Gardener Lived in a Bombed House for Years
Many of Escobar’s old properties have been repurposed to erase their infamous histories. However, one building remains untouched: his Hacienda La Manuela, a property located on the edge of the Guatapé reservoir.
This property was bombed in 1993, just months before the infamous kingpin met his end. Prior to the attack, it had been one of Escobar’s most valued estates.
Even after the bombing, Escobar’s gardener and security guard remained in the house illegally, offering narcotic tours to visitors curious about the site. Many tourists visited in hopes of finding leftover money from Escobar’s heyday, but none has been uncovered.
A few years ago, the Colombian government took control of the estate, and it is now off-limits. Nevertheless, there are still some shady tours available that will take you to the site if you're determined to visit. Alternatively, you can get a glimpse from a distance on the regular boat tours that pass by.
1. His Former Prison Has Been Repurposed into a Monastery
Remember the extravagant prison that the cocaine kingpin constructed? Just like many of Escobar’s other properties, it has been transformed into a place with a more positive purpose.
La Catedral, as it is known, remained abandoned for many years following Escobar's downfall. In fact, the prison had fallen into near ruin when a group of monks acquired the land and began restoring it. The monks rechristened the complex La Virgen Desata Nudos and transformed it into a site of religious devotion. Now, both the monks and local residents regularly congregate there for worship.
You can still visit the former prison and interact with the monks. However, what you will experience there is a stark contrast to what Escobar once encountered years ago.
