A former employee of the Sierra del Chorrillo Managed Resource Protected Area, better known as La Belén in Najasa, Camagüey, has taken to Facebook to expose the severe neglect and decay of this natural site. The area is managed by the State-run Flora and Fauna Enterprise Group under the oversight of Revolutionary Commander Guillermo García Frías.
Inalkis Rodríguez Lora, who dedicated nearly four years to conservation projects for the flora and fauna there, described Sierra del Chorrillo as “one of the vast estates of old man Guillermo García Frías,” encompassing 324 caballerías enclosed by a perimeter fence over two meters tall, once protecting a variety of exotic animals owned by García Frías, whom she referred to as a “land baron.”
The photographs accompanying her post reveal extensive neglect.
The main entrance features a sign reading “Managed Resource Protected Area–Sierra del Chorrillo” next to a control booth with a rusted tin roof and a barren flagpole, stark indicators of institutional abandonment.
One of the most striking images shows a horse in a dire state: its ribs and hips are clearly visible due to malnutrition, and its body is marred by sores, scabs, and bald patches indicating untreated skin disease.
Another picture shows the pool from the former eco-lodge: its water is murky and green with algae, and a large fallen tree lies half-submerged.
An old fairground structure is also depicted, its roof reduced to a few wooden beams, while invasive plants have taken root among the stones on the ground.
“Things have changed for the worse, much worse. Nature doesn’t choose its caretakers, which is why the destruction pains me so much,” Rodríguez Lora lamented.
In the comments, she noted that practically no one works there anymore. “It’s a ruin. The owner (García Frías) is senile, he has many years and many estates across Cuba,” she emphasized.
Rodríguez Lora expressed a mix of sorrow and nostalgia, hoping someone would take an interest in restoring the site's remaining value. She concluded her post with a poignant note: “These are just a few pictures of the disaster, but unfortunately, there’s much more.”
Sierra del Chorrillo spans over 4,000 hectares and was once a premier destination for ecotourism and hunting tourism in Cuba, offering guided trails, horseback rides, and rare bird watching opportunities, including the Cuban parrot and the Antillean palm swift.
The area’s origins as an exotic wildlife reserve date back to World War II, when a Peruvian architect introduced zebras, deer, antelopes, bulls, and horses, transforming the region into a hunting ground for foreign tourists. After 1959, it fell under state control, managed by the Flora and Fauna Enterprise Group, linked to the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces.
García Frías, now 98, has led this entity since 1993, overseeing more than 80 protected areas throughout Cuba. In February, a herd of about 11 zebras was spotted grazing freely in Hacienda Belén, a testament to the survival of exotic animals without proper care.
The commander's family has often been criticized for their privileges: his grandson, Jorge Alejandro de Cárdenas García, was reported to travel to Colombia to purchase horses and vacation in Europe and Cancun, all while the area under García Frías’ control falls further into neglect.
Understanding the Issues Surrounding Sierra del Chorrillo
What is the Sierra del Chorrillo?
Sierra del Chorrillo is a protected area in Najasa, Camagüey, known for its diverse flora and fauna. It was once a prominent ecotourism and hunting tourism destination.
Who manages the Sierra del Chorrillo?
The area is managed by the State-run Flora and Fauna Enterprise Group under the oversight of Revolutionary Commander Guillermo García Frías.
What are the main issues highlighted in the recent complaint?
The complaint highlights severe neglect and decay, including malnourished animals, abandoned facilities, and a lack of staff and maintenance.