The young Cuban veterinarian and content creator José Ibraín Venereo Jiménez managed to rescue a jutía that was about to be sacrificed for religious rituals and returned it to a safe natural environment.
In a video posted on his Instagram account, José recounted how he saw online that the animal was for sale and paid 5,000 pesos to prevent it from falling into other hands.
"He spent a good amount of time with me at home until I found a good place to release her," he recounted.
During that time in the house, the rodent, whom José named Goku, even bit him on one hand.
"Miren qué cool, I got bitten by a jutía. Yes, a brand of jutía," he joked, while showing the marks of the attack.
The liberation was not easy. José transported the animal in a closed suitcase to avoid it being seen and took it to a nearby forest.
During the process, the jutía was scared and nervous and didn't want to come out; it just looked outside while trying to adapt to its surroundings.
Finally, José carefully led Goku to a tree, from which he descended and vanished into the forest, blending into his natural habitat.
In another video, the young man explained the characteristics of these endemic rodents of Cuba, and emphasized that they are critically endangered species.
"Don't hunt them, dude. Many people here eat them, hunt them, keep them as pets, and that contributes to their extinction," he warned his followers.
"If someone finds or acquires one of these endangered animals, they should not hesitate to contact me, as I will release it, or I will place it in a refuge or back into its ecosystem so that it can be free," he stated.
This rescue adds to the previous stories of this veterinarian, who in September moved thousands of internet users by attempting to free three jicoteas.
On that occasion, while two turtles quickly adapted to their habitat, a third one displayed a special bond with José, floating motionless and observing him before being released, a gesture interpreted by many as a sign of connection and gratitude.
José's act has been celebrated on social media as an example of environmental awareness and respect for Cuban wildlife.
The story of Goku, the rescued jutía, highlights not only the fragility of endemic species in the face of human exploitation but also the capacity of citizens to act with responsibility and empathy in the face of these challenges.
Frequently asked questions about the rescue of the hutia in Cuba
Who is José Ibraín Venereo Jiménez and what did he do with the rescued jutía?
José Ibraín Venereo Jiménez is a young Cuban veterinarian and content creator who rescued a jutía that was about to be sacrificed for religious rituals. He paid 5,000 pesos to save the animal and later released it in a safe natural environment.
Why is the rescue of the jutía important in Cuba?
The rescue of the jutía is crucial because these species are endemic to Cuba and are critically endangered. Hunting and trading these animals for consumption or as pets contribute to their decline, making rescue efforts like those of José vital for their conservation.
What other actions has José Ibraín Venereo Jiménez taken in defense of animals?
José has carried out other rescues, such as the attempt to free three jicoteas, one of which showed a special bond with him. These actions have been celebrated on social media as examples of environmental awareness and respect for Cuban wildlife.
What is the current situation regarding animal sacrifices for rituals in Cuba?
The sacrifice of animals for religious rituals in Cuba has generated controversy, especially when it takes place in public spaces. While these practices are part of Afro-Cuban traditions, they have drawn criticism regarding animal cruelty and the use of public spaces, highlighting the need for a balance between freedom of worship and respect for communal norms.
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