A video shared on social media by Cuban content creator @kary_y_jony has once again brought the neglected state of the National Aquarium of Cuba in Havana to the forefront of public debate.
In the audiovisual material, the young woman documents with images and comments the visible deterioration of the facilities: walls with mold and leaks, wet floors, lack of structural maintenance, rusty railings, and a notable scarcity of marine species. “Everything seemed to be left to its fate,” laments the video's creator, who also criticizes the dining services at the location for their limited variety and poor service.
The testimony has sparked a wave of reactions on social media. Several users lamented the current state of the place, comparing it to its former glory in past decades. Others pointed out that the neglect of the Aquarium is part of a broader pattern of deterioration of public facilities in Cuba. “The aquarium is like the rest of the country,” commented one user. Another remarked, “The only thing that doesn’t crumble in Cuba is communism.”
In April 2022, the National Aquarium also faced criticism when animal rights activists reported the death of the sea lion "Jocker," allegedly due to a lack of food. Young animal rights advocate Beatriz Batista then called for the closure of the facility and the relocation of the species to institutions with better conditions. The management of the Aquarium denied that the animal had died of hunger and attributed the death to health issues related to its age.
Beyond the specific case of the Aquarium, the creator of the video has previously documented the deterioration of other iconic spaces in the Cuban capital, such as the Sports City and Havana's Chinatown. In her posts, she criticizes the contrast between the everyday reality of ordinary Cubans and the promotional image that is spread in tourist campaigns. “This is how Havana is today, the one that ordinary Cubans live, not the one the promotions sell,” she recently stated in another one of her videos.
It also highlighted the neglect of the Ciudad Deportiva, where the facilities show visible signs of neglect and disuse, raising public concern about the future of historic public spaces in Cuba.
The National Aquarium of Cuba was founded in 1960 as a scientific, educational, and recreational center. On its official website, it presents itself as a promoter of the conservation of marine and coastal environments, but citizen testimonies and the current state of the facility raise serious doubts about the fulfillment of that mission.
The ongoing deterioration of the Aquarium has reignited the debate over the neglect of public spaces on the island, amidst a context of deep economic and social crisis. Meanwhile, public outrage continues to grow, fueled by social media and the desire to preserve what were once symbols of recreation and culture in Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions about the status of the National Aquarium of Cuba and the deterioration of public spaces
What is the current status of the National Aquarium of Cuba?
The National Aquarium of Cuba is in a noticeable state of neglect, with deteriorating facilities, moldy walls, leaks, wet floors, and rusted railings. Additionally, there is a significant shortage of marine species.
Why is the maintenance of the National Aquarium criticized?
The maintenance of the National Aquarium is criticized due to the lack of structural care and attention to the facilities, along with a limited variety of dining services and poor customer service.
What impact does the state of the Aquarium have on public perception of the management of the Cuban government?
The state of the Aquarium has reignited criticisms towards the Cuban government for the deterioration of public spaces, reflecting a pattern of neglect and lack of investment in the maintenance of shared assets, which generates outrage among the citizens.
What other public spaces in Cuba are in similar conditions to the National Aquarium?
In addition to the National Aquarium, the Sports City and Chinatown in Havana also show signs of neglect and decay, reflecting a broader crisis in the infrastructure of public spaces in Cuba.
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