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A visit to the 26 Zoo in Havana, shared on Facebook by user Litle Lo La, has sparked debate and comments on social media after humorously and critically describing the current situation of one of Cuba's most emblematic zoos.
"They had already given us several unfavorable references accompanied by a: 'Don’t go there, not even if you’re crazy!' But since I'm not crazy, I'm psychiatric, I said: let's endure this, but with our own eyes," wrote the young woman, who recounted her experience in the dilapidated facilities.
In his testimony, he claims that the walk began "at the end" and that in the pond where there were once crocodiles, now "there is not even a trace of those specimens, nor of the coconut."
Regarding the hippopotamus, he commented ironically that he waited 30 minutes for it to come out of its hiding place: "that one's probably more stubborn than the people in line for the Ticket."
The Cuban recounted that what she found was less about animals and more about an improvised fair with exorbitant prices: “1 yoyo for 1000 pesos and a ride on a carousel powered by human strength rather than mechanical, at 100 pesos per ride.”
As for the displayed species, the visitor said she could count them on her fingers: “3 flamingos, 1 camel, several species of cows, bulls, deer, 5 monkeys, 3 ‘heat-stressed’ turtles, 1 hyena, 2 squirrels that sneaked into the raccoon cage, 2 jaguars, 1 brown bear in one pit, and in the other... a chicken.”
She even mentioned that the snake's cage was empty, as later the animal was found at the entrance of a private park where photos were offered with tourists.
But the greatest disappointment came at the end, when his daughter eagerly anticipated hearing the roar of the lions: “My grandfather used to tell me that a long time ago, even from kilometers away, you could hear their roar. I told my little girl: let’s see how they roar… I approached the pit and shouted to the lion: Mufasa, give me a grrrr. The lion looked at me with a rotten melon beside him and said: What? How ridiculous!”
The narrative, straddling satire and denunciation, reflects the decay of one of Havana's main recreational institutions and revives the debate on the state of zoos in Cuba, where a lack of resources and neglect define the experience for both visitors and the animals themselves. In several provinces, Cubans have reported the extreme conditions faced by animals in recreational parks.
On August 4, another report emerged regarding the historic 26 Zoo, highlighting the deteriorating condition of its facilities, with dry ponds, dirty cages, visibly malnourished animals, and an overwhelming stench.
“If there’s nothing for Cubans, what will there be for the animals? This is genocide,” denounced a zoo worker, whose statements were captured in a post on the page La Tijera on Facebook.
Other parks are also in decline. The National Zoo recently closed some of its facilities and just a week ago announced the reopening of the crocodile lake, after a comprehensive sanitation and restoration process that, according to the government, allowed the specimens to be reintroduced into their habitat.
Frequently Asked Questions about the 26 Zoo in Havana and the State of Zoos in Cuba
What is the current status of the 26 Zoo in Havana?
The 26 Zoo in Havana is in a state of significant deterioration. The facilities show dry ponds, dirty cages, and animals that are visibly malnourished. The situation reflects both the crisis of the zoo and the structural collapse of the country, where there are no resources for humans or animals.
What animals can currently be found at the 26 Zoo?
Currently, at the 26 Zoo, you can count the animals on your fingers: 3 flamingos, 1 camel, various species of cows, bulls, deer, 5 monkeys, 3 turtles, 1 hyena, 2 squirrels that sneaked into the raccoon cage, 2 jaguars, 1 brown bear, and 1 hen. This indicates a significant reduction compared to previous times.
How has the public reacted to the situation at the 26 Zoo?
The public has reacted with outrage and criticism towards the state of the zoo. Social media has been flooded with comments from Cubans denouncing the poor condition of the facilities and the neglect of the animals. Many people express that the situation is a reflection of the broader crisis facing the country.
What efforts have been made to improve zoos in Cuba?
Recently, the National Zoo announced the reopening of the crocodile lake after a sanitation process; however, overall, the efforts have been insufficient and isolated. The lack of resources and institutional indifference have hindered significant improvements in the country's zoos.
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