The distressing state of an antelope at Havana's 26 Zoo has sparked outrage across social media, as users question the care and treatment of animals within the facility. Mariam Asencio voiced her concerns in the Facebook group "Animal Protection Society in Cuba," highlighting the antelope's current condition.
"This little animal is at the 26 Zoo. How can a creature that feeds on grass be in such a state? This is animal abuse!" Asencio exclaimed. She shared a shocking photograph illustrating the antelope's severe malnutrition, calling it a glaring example of cruelty to animals.
In the comments section, Asencio expressed her frustration with the apparent disregard for animal welfare at the zoo. "Everyone is starving, even those that eat grass. It seems like none of the workers, managers, or institutions tasked with safeguarding animal well-being care," she wrote, describing the scenario as one of "neglect, lack of love, and empathy."
Criticism of Authorities and Personal Experiences
Asencio recounted personal experiences where she had to confront the zoo's management about dire situations: "Many animals have no water, some are under the scorching sun, others are without food or in distressing enclosures. One animal had blood oozing from its eye, and it seemed everyone working there turned a blind eye."
She took her critique further, lambasting the inaction of responsible authorities: "They just go to collect a paycheck and see what they can get. In the end, everything gets worse. It's unacceptable to have animals suffering, stressed, hungry, and without water. Why does the State allow this barbarity? Why tolerate such abuse?"
Asencio also questioned the effectiveness of Cuba's animal welfare law, labeling it a "phantom law." "Where did they put it? In some director's bathroom? The example should start with the State, yet it's the one fostering chaos. This is why the country is upside down," she concluded, urging for immediate reflection and action.
Ongoing Concerns and Broader Implications
This is not the first instance of public concern over the state of animals at the 26 Zoo. Observers note that if the public faces food shortages, the zoo's animals might be in an even more dire situation.
On the social media platform X, the user @chanchu33 shared an alarming video on Monday showing the severe decline of lions at the zoo. Although the video's date was unspecified, the footage has raised worries about the animals' living conditions.
"The best thing for those animals at Havana's zoo would be to put them down to end their suffering. Who's ever seen a vegetarian lion?" the commenter noted, underscoring the concern for the animals' welfare.
Recently, the news portal CiberCuba reported on the dire state of neglect plaguing the once-iconic 26 Zoo in Havana. Facilities that once brought pride to the city now showcase neglect that alarms both visitors and staff.
A walk through the zoo reveals the deterioration of cages, many of which are rusted and poorly maintained. Additionally, empty pools, public areas with broken benches, accumulated trash, and damaged pathways reflect the site's neglect. The vegetation, which should serve as an attraction, is unkempt and, in some areas, encroaches upon spaces meant for the animals.
Animal Welfare Concerns at Havana’s 26 Zoo
What sparked the outrage regarding the antelope at Havana's 26 Zoo?
The outrage emerged after Mariam Asencio shared a photograph depicting the antelope's malnourished state, highlighting concerns about animal abuse and neglect at the zoo.
How have authorities been criticized in terms of animal welfare at the zoo?
Critics argue that authorities have been negligent, focusing more on receiving salaries than addressing the animals' suffering and poor living conditions.
What broader implications have been noted about the zoo's conditions?
The neglect at the zoo is seen as a reflection of the broader issues in Cuba, where public services and animal welfare are often compromised due to systemic failures.