A Cuban veterinarian based in Nevada has captured the attention of social media with a TikTok video about Manolito, a goat with mobility impairments residing in her animal sanctuary. The video, which delivers a message about showing empathy toward animals, has garnered over 736,000 views in under 48 hours.
The person behind this viral content is Yaileny Selema, the founder of the Second Chance Farm sanctuary located in Pahrump, Nevada, roughly an hour from Las Vegas. For the past eight years, Selema has been dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating animals of various species.
Manolito's Daily Care at the Sanctuary
Featured in the clip uploaded on Monday, Manolito is a goat unable to move independently due to his physical condition. The sanctuary's team lifts, bathes, and dries him daily to prevent skin irritations and ensure a dignified life for him.
"Here, we lift Manolito, bathe him, dry him, and make his life as normal as possible so he can have a dignified existence despite his disability," Selema explained in the video.
Challenging Species-Based Compassion
The core message of the video challenges the biases regarding which animals deserve care and affection. "I believe the issue begins when we let the species determine how much compassion a living being deserves," the veterinarian commented.
"I don't think a dog is worth more than a goat, nor is a goat worth less than a horse. All experience pain, fear, tranquility, and well-being," she added.
Community Engagement and Support
The post has amassed 149,000 likes, 3,910 comments, and 12,200 shares, resonating particularly with the Cuban community abroad, identified through hashtags like #cubansontiktok and #cubansaroundtheworld.
Selema, alongside her Cuban partner, established Second Chance Farm as a completely self-funded project that does not generate profits for its founders.
The sanctuary currently houses over 30 rescued animals, including horses, donkeys, goats, pigs, cows, dogs, cats, and tortoises. Many of these animals remain there permanently due to old age or chronic health conditions.
The project is sustained through donations from Yaileny's social media followers, where she has built a loyal community over the years.
Impact and Visibility
This is not the first time a video from the @yaisecondchance account has sparked a massive reaction, but it marks the sanctuary's highest visibility peak to date, according to available data at the time of publication.
"And if this inspires someone to look at others with a bit more empathy, then all this effort has been worthwhile, and as long as God permits, I will continue to do this for them," Selema concluded in the video.
Frequently Asked Questions About Second Chance Farm
What is the primary mission of Second Chance Farm?
Second Chance Farm is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating animals of various species, providing them with the care and compassion they deserve regardless of their species or condition.
How can people support or donate to Second Chance Farm?
Supporters can make donations through Yaileny Selema's social media channels, where she has established a dedicated community that contributes to the sanctuary's operations.
What kind of animals does the sanctuary care for?
The sanctuary houses a diverse range of animals, including horses, donkeys, goats, pigs, cows, dogs, cats, and tortoises, many of whom stay permanently due to age or chronic conditions.