Zoo Worker’s Callous Remark in Santiago de Cuba Sparks Outrage Over Animal Welfare

The independent organization Animal Welfare Cuba (BAC) has sounded the alarm on the severe neglect at the Santiago de Cuba zoo, highlighting the institutional indifference towards the suffering of animals. This comes after receiving reports from anonymous sources who documented the dire conditions and abandonment of the facility.

In a lengthy Facebook post, BAC announced the initiation of "phase 2" of its network of collaborators across the country. This decision was made after the Zoo Enterprise of Cuba continued to ignore repeated allegations of mistreatment and deficiencies in state-run facilities.

"Given the stance of the Zoo Enterprise of Cuba, we have activated phase 2 across the nation. This allows our collaborators throughout Cuba to start exposing the situation in zoos," the organization stated.

Reports have begun to flow in from several provinces, with the first of this new phase coming from the Santiago de Cuba zoo. This facility is currently closed to the public, likely due to damages from Hurricane Melissa, reminiscent of the destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy in 2012.

BAC highlighted the dismal state of the zoo, noting its closure and restricted access to the public. "Today we denounce the situation at the Santiago de Cuba Zoo. It’s closed to the public, and entry is denied. These are the true conditions of the place," the organization shared.

One of the most shocking elements of the report was the response from a zoo worker when asked about the animals' condition: "They’re there." BAC views this statement as a glaring example of institutional insensitivity and a lack of empathy towards the animals in their care.

The organization also condemned the hostile treatment from authorities towards those who bring these issues to light, revealing that many of their members are labeled as "mercenaries," "liars," or "slanderers." However, BAC insists these complaints are not isolated incidents but actions taken by citizens in response to state indifference.

"We are merely catalysts, intermediaries between people and institutions, giving a voice to animals and those who can no longer endure state indifference," they expressed.

BAC criticized the stance of the Zoo Enterprise, accusing it of pretending to engage in dialogue and transparency on social media while ignoring the demands of organizations and the public. "If they genuinely wanted to address these issues, they would allow a real outlet for exposing the impotence, neglect, and negligence causing these situations, preventing everything from erupting on social networks. Yet, they fail to act with even minimal institutional intelligence," the statement read.

The collective reminded that Cuban zoos are suffering from progressive deterioration due to a lack of resources, state abandonment, and administrative disarray, endangering the lives of hundreds of animals nationwide.

In Santiago de Cuba, this complaint follows similar issues reported in Cienfuegos and Camagüey's centers just weeks ago.

BAC concluded its message by reaffirming its commitment to exposing every case of negligence and abuse, stating that their efforts will continue "on the side of those without a voice and those who can no longer tolerate silence."

"The people are tired. And they are right. This will not stop. Every ignored complaint will be further evidence that the problem lies not with the whistleblower, but with those who perpetuate it," the statement concluded.

Recently, BAC sought access to the nation's zoos to verify the actual condition of the animals, denouncing that the Zoo Enterprise maintains a policy of opacity while complaints mount on social and independent media.

This pronouncement was prompted by incidents such as the escape of a baboon from the Sancti Spíritus zoo, which forced the evacuation of a daycare center. The incident raised concerns about security conditions, animal welfare, and the lack of proper protocols in these state-run centers.