Cuban Animal Rights Activists Condemn State Media for Whitewashing National Aquarium's Issues

Cuban animal rights activists have expressed their discontent with the state-run newspaper Granma for its article attempting to gloss over the issues at the National Aquarium of Cuba in Havana.

In a Facebook post by BAC-Habana (Bienestar Animal Cuba), the group stated, "It is deeply disrespectful that, while our organization and thousands of individuals have joined in denouncing the critical situation at the National Aquarium of Cuba, Granma publishes content that whitewashes the image of this institution."

The activists criticized the state media for choosing to "paint a rosy picture" that ignores the suffering of the animals and the deplorable conditions they endure, rather than "listening to the thousands of citizens voicing their concerns on social media."

"Whenever our voices reach millions, the official media responds with articles meant to distract, never to admit what truly happens within these facilities, but to disguise it. Why is it so difficult to acknowledge the truth? Why is it easier to conceal than to confront, correct, and improve?" they questioned.

The BAC post refers to an article that highlighted the aquarium's endeavors beyond displaying marine life and promoting environmental education, claiming it is also involved in research initiatives.

Outcry Over Aquarium Conditions

Recently, a Cuban mother made headlines on social media, denouncing the severe deterioration and neglect she witnessed at the National Aquarium. She reported witnessing scenes of animal cruelty and sadness, which deeply affected her child.

"Families, I say this from the heart: we left with more sadness than joy. My son was super excited... and we left with our spirits crushed," she wrote in a testimony shared on the Facebook page of La Tijera, which quickly went viral.

The visitor noted the absence of shows, educational activities, and described a scene of silence, neglect, and obvious animal suffering.

"The seal there... you can see in its eyes that it wants to leave Cuba more than we do. My child said, 'Mommy, rescue it, it's all alone.'"

According to her description, the turtles have broken shells and swim in green water, a small shark drifts aimlessly in a cramped tank, and the aquariums are in ruins, with peeling walls and a nauseating odor.

"This isn't environmental education or children's entertainment; it's torture," she concluded.

BAC confirmed her account, describing the aquarium's situation as "profoundly sad" and denouncing the facilities as being in "deplorable condition."

Calls for Urgent Action

Despite the deficiencies, BAC pointed out that the aquarium continues to charge full admission to visiting families. They have called on the management of the National Aquarium to take immediate steps to enhance the animals' welfare, improve cleanliness, and ensure a dignified environment.

"We understand that the economic crisis affects everyone, but a lack of resources cannot justify negligence. Caring for these animals isn't a luxury; it's a moral duty," they emphasized.

Complaints about the deteriorating state of this once-iconic center for recreation and environmental education have become frequent in recent months. A family visit in June confirmed the poor condition of the facility, marked by neglect, structural decay, and a clear lack of attention to the marine animals still housed there.

At the end of August, a report by Canal Habana highlighted that the center's most urgent need is the replenishment of marine fauna. Given the drastic decline in the turtle population, the institution requested special permits from the Ministry of the Food Industry to capture new specimens, the report noted.

Shortly thereafter, the arrival of two green turtles (Chelonia mydas) was announced as part of efforts led by "Las Mar-tinez" project, spearheaded by Jorge Félix Martínez, in a collaborative action to promote marine species conservation, despite the critical state of the country's primary oceanographic center.

Founded in 1960, the National Aquarium was promoted for over half a century as a center for scientific research and environmental education aimed at preserving marine life.

However, testimonies from non-governmental organizations and animal rights advocates have alleged that, behind this conservationist facade, the facility may have served as a source for unregulated dolphin trafficking, primarily to countries maintaining diplomatic relations with the Cuban government.

These claims suggest that such transactions—conducted without public environmental oversight or verifiable protocols—may have provided a source of foreign currency during economic hardships, at the expense of animal welfare and under institutional opacity.