The lion Panchito, whose situation of abandonment and lack of food at the municipal zoo of Florida, Camagüey, sparked reports and concern on social media, has been relocated to a facility with better conditions and is receiving support for his recovery, according to an animal rights organization.
The Cuban Association for the Protection of Animals and Plants (Aniplant) reported this Sunday the outcome of the efforts made alongside the AYAZ group after the situation of the feline was publicly reported.
"After the report of the lion Panchito in Florida, Camagüey, the Aniplant-AYAZ team (...) was able to secure resources for the transfer, from fuel to medical support for his recovery," the organization explained.
Aniplant assured that "happily" Panchito is now "in a suitable home and with appropriate conditions" without specifying this time where the animal was relocated.
However, the operation carried out at the end of July, called "Operation Leo," brought Panchito from Florida to the Ciego de Ávila Zoo Complex, where he received veterinary care, multivitamins, and enhanced nutrition.
At that time, it was also reported that the lion would not be exhibited while it recovered from the journey and adjusted to its new enclosure.
The transfer put an end, at least for Panchito, to months of questioning about the conditions in which he was living in Camagüey.
The situation of the feline was publicly reported on July 21, when images showed its pronounced ribs and a deteriorated enclosure.
The problem had been present earlier. In December 2025, it had already been reported that the same lion had gone eight days without eating while staying in a facility marked by a lack of resources and deterioration.
Aniplant emphasized that to complete the transfer, it was necessary to secure fuel and support with medications and veterinary supplies, in addition to the collaboration of zoo workers and other participants.
The organization also announced that it will continue to expand its agreement with the National Zoo Company in order to manage new transfers of animals that are in situations that compromise their lives.
"We will report any cases of animal mistreatment, but we will always seek possible solutions as well," stated Aniplant, who added: "Together we can save their lives and provide them with better conditions."
The announcement sparked new claims in the comments section. One person requested that the transfer of the animals that still survive in the Colón municipal zoo, Matanzas, be prioritized, and stated that a complaint about this facility had been filed since December 2025.
According to that comment, there would be four animals still alive in the Colón zoo, which remains closed to the public. The whistleblower also referred to the recent incident involving the two lions that were there.
Another user believed that animals should be sent to sanctuaries or zoos in other countries that have better conditions to care for them.
Concerns about Colón are not new either. In December 2025, “inhumane” conditions were reported in that zoo in Matanzas, with sick animals, overcrowding, and inadequate care.
The place came to be described by activists as "a cemetery in life."
The rescue of Panchito also does not represent an isolated incident within the deep crisis facing Cuban zoos.
This month, the extreme malnutrition of two lions at the Las Tunas zoo was reported, with their ribs and bones clearly visible.
Days later, one of those felines died after being attacked by the other. The Government of Las Tunas acknowledged that the animals had gone several days without receiving food, although it denied the report that the lion had killed its companion to devour it.
The authorities described what happened as "unacceptable."
Also in Camagüey, in April, there were reports of extreme abandonment conditions and malnutrition of lions at the Casino Campestre zoo.
The reports revealed that the crisis of food and resources was affecting various regions of the country.
Related videos:
Filed under: