The National Zoological Park of Cuba is set to welcome visitors once more starting next Wednesday. The zoo had been closed temporarily due to a shortage of essential services during the island's ongoing energy crisis.
This Sunday, the institution announced on Facebook that the electricity supply has been restored, assuring that the animals remained unaffected by the closure.
"Our animals are in excellent physical condition and have been under the constant care of our team," the facility stated.
The reopening announcement follows just days after the zoo had declared an indefinite closure caused by the lack of electricity and water. This decision had sparked concern on social media regarding the welfare of the over 1,500 animals housed at the Boyeros, Havana location.
At that time, no reopening date was given. Now, with power restored on Saturday, the zoo has confirmed that it will open its doors to the public on Wednesday.
The institution also issued apologies for the inconvenience caused by the temporary shutdown and expressed gratitude for the visitors' understanding.
The National Zoo's situation comes after a summer marked by numerous complaints and criticisms directed at various Cuban parks. These complaints concerned the feeding of animals, deteriorating facilities, and a lack of resources.
In July, a report raised alarms about a lion at the Florida Zoo in Camagüey, which was found to be extremely emaciated and kept in a rundown cage.
The activist who brought attention to the issue claimed that the lion had gone a long time without food.
The issue resurfaced in August when residents reported the severe malnutrition of two lions at the Las Tunas zoo. A few days later, one of the lions died after being attacked by the other, amid reports that they hadn’t been fed meat for nearly two weeks.
Soon after, animals exhibiting signs of malnutrition were also reported at the Watkin Park in Matanzas, where the poor condition of lions, monkeys, and other species was highlighted.
By late August, another report revealed the degradation of the zoo integrated into the Santiago de Cuba’s Parque de los Sueños, with almost all cages empty, few species visible, and a noticeable lack of visitors during the summer season.
FAQs About Cuba's National Zoo Reopening
Why was the National Zoological Park of Cuba closed?
The zoo was closed due to a lack of essential services like electricity and water, which were impacted by Cuba's ongoing energy crisis.
How did the zoo ensure the well-being of the animals during the closure?
The zoo assured the public that the animals remained in excellent condition and were under constant care by their team throughout the closure.
When will the National Zoo reopen to the public?
The National Zoological Park will reopen its doors to visitors on Wednesday, following the restoration of its electricity supply.