In the early hours of Wednesday, a dedicated team from the Ciego de Ávila Zoo Complex embarked on a mission to the town of Florida in Camagüey. Dubbed "Operation Leo," this effort was aimed at rescuing Panchito, the sole lion at the local zoo, who had been at the center of public outcry due to severe neglect and malnutrition.
The nighttime operation was a success. Clad in green uniforms and safety helmets, the team carefully loaded Panchito into a transport cage and set off for Ciego de Ávila. Upon arrival, the lion was immediately given much-needed veterinary care.
"Thanks to the effort and love for animals, Panchito is now in his new home," confirmed the zoo in a Facebook post.
Since his arrival, Panchito has been receiving multivitamins and an enhanced diet. The zoo clarified that he will not be on display "until further notice" as he recuperates from the journey and adjusts to his new environment.
Public Outcry Spurs Action
The situation came to light on July 21 when activist and journalist Ailen Vargas Abella exposed the lion's plight on Facebook. Panchito had gone "a full month" without food, confined in a cage with rusty iron bars, a dirty dirt floor, debris, and bones scattered around, with his ribs painfully visible.
"The lack of commitment and irresponsibility of those responsible for the animal's care have led to the depressing state of the zoo and the lion, who seems almost immortal despite the neglect," Vargas Abella remarked.
This was not the first warning. Back in December 2025, independent journalist José Luis Tan Estrada reported that Panchito had been unfed for eight days. In 2018, during a provincial event, authorities promised to relocate the lion to the provincial zoo—a promise that took eight years to fulfill.
Vargas Abella's report generated significant public pressure, ultimately prompting institutional action. The Ciego de Ávila Zoo acknowledged her "sensitivity and work in bringing attention to Panchito's situation."
Support for the Rescue Mission
The rescue operation was supported by Aniplant-Cuba, Ayaz Zoológico, the Flora and Fauna OSDE, the Cuban Zoo Company, and the local Resources and Hydraulic Delegation of Ciego de Ávila.
Panchito's case is not isolated. In April 2026, severe neglect of lions was reported at the Casino Campestre Zoo in Camagüey, where officials admitted economic hardships impacting animal care. Additionally, in February of the same year, Animal Welfare Cuba highlighted hunger and neglect at the Puerto Padre Zoo in Las Tunas. Similar issues have been reported at the Havana Zoo, in Colón (Matanzas), Santiago de Cuba, and Sancti Spíritus.
Cuba's Animal Welfare Decree-Law No. 31 and Resolution 140 of 2021 explicitly prohibit mistreatment, abandonment, and cruelty towards animals. However, enforcement in state-run facilities has been virtually nonexistent, according to numerous reports across the country.
"For now, Panchito will not be on display until he fully recovers and adapts to his new surroundings, where he will receive the love and care he deserves. Welcome, Panchito," the Ciego de Ávila Zoo announced.
FAQs on Panchito's Rescue and Animal Welfare in Cuba
What prompted Panchito's rescue?
Panchito's rescue was prompted by public outcry following reports of severe neglect and malnutrition, highlighted by activist Ailen Vargas Abella.
Who supported the rescue operation?
The rescue was supported by Aniplant-Cuba, Ayaz Zoológico, the Flora and Fauna OSDE, the Cuban Zoo Company, and the Resources and Hydraulic Delegation of Ciego de Ávila.
Is Panchito an isolated case of neglect?
No, Panchito's case is not isolated. Similar instances of neglect have been reported in several zoos across Cuba, including in Camagüey, Las Tunas, Havana, and other locations.