A TikTok video uploaded last Thursday by the account @mecreoturista1 has reignited discussions about the condition of the National Aquarium of Cuba. With its crumbling walls, sparsely populated tanks, and facilities that appear "in a dire state, deteriorated, with few marine specimens, and nearly abandoned," as described in the video, it has become a subject of concern.
The footage quickly garnered over 104,000 views, 7,169 likes, and 1,075 shares, stirring nostalgia among Cubans who fondly remember the aquarium as a beloved family destination in Havana.
"The National Aquarium of Cuba, once a cherished spot in Havana, holds countless memories for generations of Cubans. Today, its images tell a different story," noted the video's creator, ending with a poignant question: "Who visited it as a child?"
From Pride to Neglect
The state of disrepair seen in the video is not a new discovery. As far back as May 2025, there have been reports of moldy walls, leaks, rusted railings, wet floors, and a noticeable decline in the variety of species on display.
In October 2025, a mother publicly reported sick animals, including turtles with broken shells and a shark confined to a small tank. Animal Welfare Cuba (BAC) described these conditions as "deeply sad" and "deplorable."
Challenges and Acknowledgments
By June 2026, even the aquarium's management admitted that the facility "lacks the ideal conditions it once had," blaming some of the issues on sea salt exposure due to its seaside location and the aging of its structures.
Currently, the dolphinarium remains closed because its restoration requires funding beyond available resources.
A Historical Perspective
Founded on January 23, 1960, in the Playa municipality with just 13 fish tanks, the National Aquarium grew into one of the Caribbean's key recreational and scientific centers. Expansions in 2000 and 2002 introduced the Dolphin Plaza and Tropical Island.
The decline of this institution is part of a broader pattern: Cuba's enduring economic crisis, exacerbated by a lack of state investment, has similarly affected other facilities like Havana's Zoo 26 and the Camagüey Zoo.
In September 2025, the aquarium welcomed two donated green turtles as part of efforts to restore species, an initiative met with skepticism on social media given the extent of deterioration.
Understanding the Decline of Cuba's National Aquarium
What led to the deterioration of the National Aquarium of Cuba?
The deterioration is attributed to a combination of factors, including exposure to sea salt, aging infrastructure, and a lack of state investment amid Cuba's prolonged economic crisis.
How have Cubans reacted to the current state of the aquarium?
Many Cubans have expressed nostalgia and sadness, recalling the aquarium as a cherished family destination. The recent video sparked discussions and memories among those who visited it in its prime.
Are there any efforts to restore the aquarium?
Efforts have been made to restore species, such as the donation of green turtles in 2025, but the overall restoration of the aquarium remains hindered by financial constraints.