The animals at Bartolomé Masó Zoo in Manzanillo, Granma Province, are suffering from extreme malnutrition and weakness due to a severe lack of food. An independent report by 14ymedio revealed the dire conditions faced by lions, iguanas, monkeys, and other animals at the zoo. The ongoing economic crisis in Cuba has severely impacted the availability of appropriate food for these animals, exacerbating their plight.
Gerardo and Karen, the zoo’s two lions, are among the worst affected. According to their caretakers, their diet should consist of approximately "10 kilos daily of meat, bones, viscera, fish, chicken, and 'meat scraps.'" However, maintaining this diet has become "impossible now," resulting in significant weight loss and lethargy. The lions can often be seen huddled in a corner of their habitat, visibly weakened.
Gerardo, the older lion, is nine years old and was brought from Kenya. He is the father of Karen, who was born in Cuba in 2019 via cesarean section after the mother died shortly after giving birth. Karen grew up without any issues and was notably taller and heavier than his father by 2023. However, today both lions appear malnourished and weak.
According to 14ymedio, "Gerardo is in a more critical condition. His skeleton is visible beneath his fur, which has lost its color." Meanwhile, Karen "prefers to stay in his cell, sheltering from the sun, huddled against the bars." A veterinarian named Enrique, who is close to the zoo’s administration, noted, "The feeding schedule for the lions is almost a military secret. The caretakers have specific instructions not to disclose anything about their diet."
The report from Radio Granma a year ago revealed that the zoo's refrigerators stored "the skeletons of cattle allocated by the state for the lions." The zoo’s director, Caridad Jorge, admitted that due to the daily unavailability of all necessary proteins, they had to travel to other locations to secure the lions' diet. Enrique warned that the lack of a proper "protein and fat-rich diet" would lead to severe malnutrition and eventually the death of both lions.
But Gerardo and Karen are not the only animals suffering. The scene described by 14ymedio is bleak: "Iguanas, barely distinguishable from the rocks in their enclosure, try to escape the relentless eastern Cuban sun. Their skin is dry, and they avoid the murky, leaf-filled pond. Only a few pigeons remain, all caged. The red-faced monkey, introduced to Cuba in the 1980s, has an unhealthy pink snout and keeps its head down."
Sebastián, a long-time park worker, stated, "There is no money to buy food for all the animals. The Meat Company cannot provide enough meat for the lions, which is why they are so thin." He mentioned that the zoo occasionally receives a shipment of bones from the state entity. "We can only feed them two meals a day, and sometimes only one," he added.
The issues at Manzanillo Zoo are not unique. Poor conditions in other Cuban zoos have raised alarms among animal protection activists and the public. In February, citizen reports highlighted the dire state of animals at the Sancti Spíritus Zoo, where even water is scarce. In mid-2023, a YouTuber denounced the lack of water, food, and the mistreatment of animals at Havana’s Zoo 26. In June, ten animals died at the Camagüey Zoo following severe floods in the city.
FAQs About Animal Welfare at Cuban Zoos
This section addresses some frequently asked questions regarding the dire situation of animals in various Cuban zoos, with a focus on the critical conditions at Manzanillo Zoo.
What are the main causes of the food shortages at Manzanillo Zoo?
The main causes are the severe economic crisis in Cuba, which has led to a lack of resources for appropriate animal diets, and the inability of state entities like the Meat Company to provide sufficient food.
How are the lions Gerardo and Karen affected by the food shortages?
Gerardo and Karen have lost significant weight and are extremely malnourished. Their diet, which should include a variety of meats and proteins, is now impossible to maintain, leading to visible weakness and lethargy.
What measures are being taken to address the situation at the zoo?
Zoo officials and caretakers are attempting to secure food from other locations within the province. However, these efforts are insufficient to meet the animals' dietary needs.
Are there similar issues in other zoos in Cuba?
Yes, similar conditions have been reported in other Cuban zoos, including those in Sancti Spíritus, Havana, and Camagüey, where animals face issues such as food and water shortages and poor living conditions.