Sandro Castro, the flamboyant influencer and grandson of Fidel Castro, recently shared an Instagram story where he announced plans to visit the zoo on Saturday, the 4th. According to Sandro, "humans don't understand him," and he would rather "chat with the animals."
In the video, filmed inside a car, Sandro dons round sunglasses, a dark sweater, and has a fake hand adorned with tattoos and black nails resting on his shoulder, humorously named "Magnolia." He quips, "Tomorrow, Magnolia and I are heading to the zoo, since humans just don't get me. I want to spend some time talking to the animals. Magnolia, tomorrow's the zoo day, because it's the pioneers' day," referring to his great-uncle, Raúl Castro.
The timing of his statement is layered with irony: April 4 marks the anniversary of the founding of the José Martí Pioneer Organization (OPJM) in 1961 and the Union of Communist Youth (UJC) a year later. While the regime observes this day with parades, honors, children's galas, and a farcical "Anti-Imperialist Youth Parade 'Here with Fidel'," the grandson of the revolution's founder opts for the zoo animals' company over that of young revolutionaries or communist youth.
This revelation comes just four days after the comedic influencer engaged in a controversial interview with CNN, where he claimed most Cubans aspire to capitalism rather than communism and openly criticized President Miguel Díaz-Canel, stating, "He's not doing a good job."
During the same interview, Sandro gave a glimpse of his Havana apartment, featuring unpainted walls and a nearly empty fridge, though it boasts its own generator to keep beers cold and the lights on during the frequent blackouts afflicting the rest of the nation.
He also disclosed being summoned by State Security for questioning due to his satirical videos, but was merely given a warning and released, a stark contrast to the systematic harassment and constant pressure faced by critics, intellectuals, activists, and independent journalists by this political police.
On April 2, another of his statements stirred controversy when he claimed his bar cost "only" $50,000, a sum equivalent to over two hundred years of the average Cuban worker's salary.
The irony of Fidel Castro's grandson wanting to "talk with animals" takes on a new dimension considering the state of the Island's zoos. In 2025, the workers at the 26th Zoo in Havana reported it as a place of neglect, featuring malnourished animals, dirty cages, and a lack of food.
A worker at this facility summed it up with a telling phrase: "If there's nothing for Cubans, what can there be for the animals?"
Insights into Sandro Castro's Recent Statements
Why does Sandro Castro prefer talking to animals?
Sandro Castro claims that humans don't understand him, which is why he prefers the company of animals.
What was the public's reaction to Sandro Castro's interview with CNN?
The interview sparked controversy as Sandro criticized the Cuban government and expressed a preference for capitalism over communism, which is a rare stance among Cuban influencers.
What is the significance of April 4 in Cuba?
April 4 is significant as it marks the anniversary of the founding of both the José Martí Pioneer Organization and the Union of Communist Youth, celebrated with various national events.