A male lion languishes in a rusted and worn cage, his ribs starkly visible, having not been fed for "an entire month." This alarming situation was brought to light by activist Ailen Vargas Abella on Facebook, highlighting the plight of the solitary feline residing at the zoo in the Florida municipality of Camagüey province.
Accompanying photos reveal the lion confined within a structure made of corroded rebar, with a dirty dirt floor littered with debris and bones, and crumbling concrete walls. The lion's physical state is a testament to severe malnourishment.
"Despite surviving a whole month without sustenance, the animal remains caged, but the conditions of the cage are far from suitable," Vargas Abella wrote, addressing her concerns to the directors of Florida's communal services.
Neglect Beyond Local Caretakers
The activist points out that responsibility lies not only with local caretakers but also with the provincial institution, which had pledged in 2018—when Florida hosted the provincial event for July 26—to relocate the lion to the provincial zoo. This promise remains unfulfilled after eight years.
"I am raising awareness about this animal's plight, which suffers not only from local neglect but also from the provincial institution," Vargas Abella stated.
Zoo's Overgrown Environment
Beyond the lion's dire condition, Vargas Abella describes the zoo's surroundings as "almost an impenetrable jungle due to overgrowth," noting that part of the perimeter fence behind the lion's cage has already been removed.
This is not the first instance of concern over the lion's treatment. Back in December 2025, independent journalist José Luis Tan Estrada reported that the same animal had gone eight days without food, a period now extended to a full month with the latest report.
Legal Frameworks Ignored
In her post, Vargas Abella referenced Decree-Law No. 31 on Animal Welfare and Resolution 140 of 2021, Cuban regulations effective since July 2021, which expressly forbid "all forms of mistreatment, abuse, torture, abandonment, and cruel killing of animals" and affirm that animals have the right to "receive attention, care, respect, and protection."
According to accumulated reports, the practical enforcement of these regulations in state facilities has been virtually nonexistent.
A Broader Pattern of Deterioration
The case at the Florida zoo is part of a broader pattern of decline documented across the island. In April 2026, extreme neglect of lions was reported at the Casino Campestre Zoo in Camagüey, with images showing animals with protruding ribs and hip bones. The zoo's management acknowledged the criticism, citing the economic crisis as affecting nutrition and operations.
Similar situations have been recorded at the 26th Zoo in Havana, the Colón Zoo in Matanzas, described as "a cemetery in life," and in facilities in Santiago de Cuba and Sancti Spíritus, where there has been no running water for animals since 2023.
"The lack of commitment and the irresponsibility of those who should ensure the animal's wellbeing are the reasons behind the zoo's and the lion's deplorable state, making the lion nearly IMMORTAL, considering the neglect it endures," Vargas Abella concluded, promising to revisit the issue soon.
FAQs about Zoo Animal Welfare in Cuba
What is the current condition of the lion at the Florida zoo in Camagüey?
The lion is in a state of severe malnutrition, confined in a rusted cage with poor living conditions, and reportedly has not been fed for a month.
What legal measures exist in Cuba for animal welfare?
Cuban regulations such as Decree-Law No. 31 on Animal Welfare and Resolution 140 of 2021 prohibit mistreatment and neglect of animals, emphasizing their right to care and protection. However, enforcement of these laws is lacking.
Are there similar cases of animal neglect in other Cuban zoos?
Yes, similar neglect cases have been reported in zoos across Cuba, including Havana's 26th Zoo, the Colón Zoo in Matanzas, and facilities in Santiago de Cuba and Sancti Spíritus.