Hyacinth Madness! (Episode 105)

In 1910 America, residents of the southeastern states were facing down two major problems: a shortage of meat, and an invasive plant that was threatening fishing, shipping, and recreation. Luckily, a Louisiana official and two 'experts' had just the solution: hippo ranching. On this episode, we're talking water hyacinths and hippopotamuses, as well as cocaine, meatpacking, lake-cow bacon, and some of the most colorful characters we've ever discussed.

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Sources for this episode include:

"American Hippopotamus" by J. Mooallam for The Atavist, 2013

“How the U.S. Almost Became a Nation of Hippo Ranchers” S. Parks for Smithsonian, 2023

"The true story of when Congress almost released wild hippos into the Louisiana bayou", M. Rosza for Salon, 2022

"The Crazy, Ingenious Plan to Bring Hippopotamus Ranching to America", G. Miller for Wired, 2013

“A Dangerous Beauty” Army Corps of Engineers