Amid the widespread crisis in Cuba, the Ruperto Anfiloquio Suárez Castellanos Zoo, located in the El Guamá area of Baracoa, has lost its most attractive animals and is also out of food for the birds that still survive. Ángel Rolando Tavera Sourt, the park's director, informed local Radio Baracoa that the facility has lost its appeal due to the absence of animals that used to attract many visitors, such as the hippopotamus Eric, the giraffe, ostriches, and zebras.
Additionally, he mentioned that the zoo faces structural problems in the bird cages, which were severely damaged by Hurricane Matthew in 2016. Two years ago, a disease also caused the death of a significant number of birds, further reducing the zoo's population.
However, in the context of the island's food and general crisis, the most urgent issue is the lack of feed for the remaining animals, Tavera Sourt stated. He explained that the distribution of feed from Santiago de Cuba has been interrupted, affecting the birds that depend on it at the zoo. Lastly, the director highlighted the lack of funding, which could help restore the zoo's appeal, he affirmed.
Testimonies from both visitors and directors shared on social media indicate that the critical situation of the vast majority of Cuban zoos turns them into places of animal abuse, where animals are poorly fed and lack proper medical care. A few weeks ago, it came to light that the animals at the Bartolomé Masó Zoo in Manzanillo, Granma Province, suffer from a lack of food and show extreme malnutrition and weakness.
An independent report by 14ymedio revealed the dire conditions in which lions, iguanas, monkeys, and other animals at the zoo find themselves, as victims of the shortages of suitable food for their respective diets, due to the severe economic crisis in Cuba, which impacts food supplies for both citizens and animals more acutely.
Another public complaint on social media in February showed that crocodiles and turtles at the Sancti Spíritus Zoo remain in empty ponds due to a lack of water. Similarly, a Cuban YouTuber denounced the scarcity and mistreatment of animals at the well-known 26th Zoo in Havana. Literally Cuban, as the communicator identifies himself, toured the extensive facility, where he observed that the few remaining specimens are malnourished, and some do not even have water.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Zoos' Crisis
Given the dire situation affecting zoos in Cuba, here are some frequently asked questions that provide further insights into the crisis.
What are the main issues facing the Ruperto Anfiloquio Suárez Castellanos Zoo?
The main issues include the loss of attractive animals, structural problems in bird cages, and a critical shortage of feed for the remaining animals.
How did Hurricane Matthew affect the zoo?
Hurricane Matthew severely damaged the bird cages in the zoo, contributing to the structural problems that persist to this day.
What solutions could improve the situation at Cuban zoos?
Increased funding and a reliable supply of food for the animals could help improve the conditions at Cuban zoos.
Which other zoos in Cuba are facing similar crises?
Other zoos facing similar crises include the Bartolomé Masó Zoo in Manzanillo, Granma Province, and the Sancti Spíritus Zoo.