A video circulating on social media captures the moments after a monkey escaped from the Havana Zoo on 26th Avenue this Thursday. In the footage, a woman can be heard telling a group of people with luggage on the sidewalk, "Don't touch it, move away, move away." A bystander naively asked, "Whose is it?" to which someone responded that it belonged to the zoo.
Amidst the unexpected visitor, a child cried a bit, and a dog barked at the monkey. Some recommended not running and allowing the monkey to continue its stroll. "He hasn't had his snack. He went out looking for food," joked a passerby as the monkey moved towards 26th Avenue, which it crossed without any issues, according to recently published photos.
So far, neither the official press nor the zoo itself has commented on the incident. It is unknown whether the animal has been captured and returned or if it remains at large.
"Urgent! Second monkey to escape from Cuba's zoos in recent days. This one from the 26th Avenue Zoo. Ready, 'the primitive community' or 'Planet of the Apes.' Oh Cuba, you choose!" wrote a social media user known as "Woody Alguacil Cubano" in the video's description.
The unusual event occurs just days after another monkey, in this case from the Caibarién Zoo in Villa Clara, also escaped, causing some trouble for the residents of that municipality. The Villa Clara monkey was captured following an operation involving police forces and dogs.
Both incidents have been interpreted by Cubans as yet another sign of the crisis and hunger on the island. In recent years, an increasing number of activists, YouTubers, and anonymous citizens have spoken out about the terrible conditions animals face in the country's zoos. The facilities are inadequate, lacking basic conditions for captivity, and the fundamental issue is the hunger the animals endure.
FAQs About the Recent Monkey Escapes in Cuba
These recent events have raised several questions among the public. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers regarding the monkey escapes and the conditions in Cuban zoos.
Why did the monkey escape from the Havana Zoo?
The exact reason for the monkey’s escape is unknown, but it is believed to be related to the poor conditions and lack of food at the zoo.
Has the escaped monkey been captured?
As of now, it is not confirmed whether the monkey has been captured and returned to the zoo.
What are the conditions like in Cuban zoos?
Conditions in Cuban zoos are reported to be poor, with inadequate facilities and a lack of basic necessities for the animals, primarily due to the ongoing crisis and scarcity of resources.
What measures are being taken to improve zoo conditions in Cuba?
There have been calls for better animal care and improved facilities, but the ongoing economic crisis makes significant improvements challenging.