The economic crisis in Cuba has led the Santiago de Cuba Aquarium, located in Parque Nacional Baconao, to suspend its iconic dolphin show due to a lack of food, highlighting a concerning deterioration during the peak summer season.
Journalist Yosmany Mayeta shared a gallery of images on Facebook that reveal the severe neglect of this tourist attraction, a crucial part of Parque Baconao and a popular spot for children during the summer. One especially poignant image shows a dolphin in a half-filled tank with unmaintained walls, indicating that the recreational center has not received upkeep for quite some time.
One of the followers complained that it is currently impossible to plan a trip to Baconao, which is increasingly devoid of appealing offers, "because they don't plan to hold dolphin shows until the weekend due to the lack of food."
"We have to arrange transportation, which is quite expensive, and when you get here (Baconao Aquarium), you find the doors closed, and it's supposed to be vacation time for the kids. Where can we go in this messed-up country?" said the frustrated complainant.
The woman pointed out that there is total neglect, and no one provided an explanation for why the tanks are empty and dirty: "As long as they have food for the fish, they'll stay open to the public on some days," she noted. She also mentioned that the dolphins suffer abuse by being forced to stay in dirty, low-water tanks.
Mayeta emphasized that the information was corroborated by neighbors of the facility, who agreed that the aquarium suffers from poor hygiene in the fish tanks, a scarcity of food, and visible neglect in both the interior and exterior areas.
Although the current state of the Baconao Aquarium in Santiago de Cuba affects children, who increasingly have fewer places to enjoy their childhood, the sad condition of the facility is not surprising. Recently, the Cuban government announced restrictions on the recreational plan for this summer.
On the official program Mesa Redonda, Raúl Fornés Valenciano, the first vice president of the Instituto Nacional de Deportes, Educación Física y Recreación, acknowledged that the season would unfold in a complex economic situation, generating certain restrictions on offers but also featuring a varied planning of activities. However, the official failed to mention that the high prices of food and recreational offers make many sites inaccessible for the majority of the Cuban population.
In this context, a Cuban woman recently showcased how little she can buy with a professional salary, suggesting that if she barely manages to meet her dietary needs, she certainly cannot invest in recreation.
FAQs on the Santiago de Cuba Aquarium's Dolphin Show Suspension
Due to the current situation at the Santiago de Cuba Aquarium, many people have questions regarding the suspension of the dolphin show. Here are some common questions and answers to provide clarity.
Why was the dolphin show suspended at the Santiago de Cuba Aquarium?
The dolphin show was suspended due to a lack of food for the dolphins, stemming from the broader economic crisis affecting the country.
What impact does the suspension have on visitors?
Visitors planning trips to the aquarium may find it closed or limited in its offerings, leaving them disappointed, especially during the summer vacation period for children.
What are the conditions like at the Santiago de Cuba Aquarium?
The aquarium is experiencing severe neglect, with dirty and low-water tanks, lack of maintenance, and poor hygiene, affecting both the marine animals and the facility's overall condition.
Has the government addressed the issue?
While the government has acknowledged economic hardships affecting recreational plans, specific issues at the aquarium, such as the lack of food and poor conditions, have not been directly addressed.