Tragedy struck Las Tunas Zoo on Monday afternoon when one of its two lions was killed and consumed by its fellow cage mate. The surviving lion had gone between 13 and 15 days without any meat in its diet.
The distressing event was confirmed by "El Palacio de las Mascotas," a Facebook page focused on animal welfare, triggering widespread outrage among Cubans both domestically and abroad.
A Predictable Tragedy
The organization did not mince words in their description of the event: "Yesterday afternoon, one lion attacked the other, resulting in the worst possible outcome. One of the big cats died after over 15 days without meat, despite needing to consume 7 kilograms daily."
Zoological Management Under Scrutiny
Exacerbating the situation is the zoo's own admission of its inability to procure food independently. The facility relies on other entities for meat supply, a dependency that has proven unreliable.
Furthermore, the zoo only accepts cash for transactions, further complicating procurement in an economy where bank transfers are the norm.
According to BAC Las Tunas, the enclosures have not seen repairs or maintenance since 2019. Photos reveal rusted bars, dirt floors littered with dry leaves, and visibly malnourished animals, conditions described by observers as "deplorable."
Government Response and Social Media Outcry
Only after the incident and ensuing social media pressure did the government authorize the provision of a cow to feed the surviving lion.
"Following the incident, the government supposedly mandated the delivery of a cow. This only happened after the tragedy," noted a BAC Las Tunas representative.
Just days prior to the death, images had already surfaced showing the lions in severe malnutrition, their ribs painfully evident.
Online reactions blend sorrow for the animals with sharp criticism of the regime and its institutions. "Cuba can't even provide for its people, let alone animals," one user commented. Another lamented, "This is the decline of a country that's failing in all areas. It's criminal."
Niurka Ileana Cruz Gómez questioned the effectiveness of existing animal protection laws, asking, "Where is the animal protection law that was supposedly passed?"
Many are calling for the relocation of the surviving animals to sanctuaries outside Cuba. "El Palacio de las Mascotas" concluded their post with a statement encapsulating the resolve of advocates: "They cannot speak. We must speak for them."
An Ongoing Saga of Neglect
Unfortunately, this tragedy is not an isolated occurrence. Complaints about the lions' conditions at Las Tunas Zoo date back to September 2020. In February 2026, BAC once again highlighted neglect and starvation at the same site.
This crisis is widespread across Cuba. In April 2026, extreme neglect was reported in Camagüey, prompting "Operation Leo" and the relocation of the lion "Panchito" to Ciego de Ávila Zoo.
Cuba enacted Decree-Law No. 31 on Animal Welfare in 2021, yet its implementation in state facilities has been virtually nonexistent. In November 2025, the organization Bienestar Animal Cuba formally requested permission to assess the country's zoos, but no positive official response has been forthcoming.
Frequently Asked Questions about Las Tunas Zoo and Animal Welfare in Cuba
Why did the lion at Las Tunas Zoo attack the other?
The lion attacked the other because it had been without meat for over 15 days, leading to extreme hunger and desperation.
What measures are being taken to prevent such incidents in the future?
Following the incident, a cow was provided to feed the surviving lion, but many are calling for better management and potential relocation of animals to more capable facilities.
What is the status of animal welfare laws in Cuba?
Cuba has a Decree-Law on Animal Welfare, but its enforcement, particularly in state-run facilities, has been largely ineffective.