Cuba's national zoo has been thrown into sharp relief by the arrival of four rare Bengal tiger cubs, including an exceptional white tiger. This heartening development serves as a poignant contrast to the crisis gripping the island nation, where fuel and medicine shortages have brought daily life to a standstill.
The birth of these endangered animals has brought a much-needed respite to zookeepers like Ángel Cordero, who has spent 44 years at the facility. This is only the second time in history that white tigers have been born in Cuba – an event Mr Cordero has witnessed firsthand. However, the zoo's daily operations are severely hindered by the ongoing energy crisis, which has seen fuel allocations slashed from 20 litres to just five litres per day.
Every aspect of zoo life relies on diesel fuel, from feeding the buffalo and zebras to moving the rhinoceroses and hippopotamuses around their enclosures. With severely limited resources, staff are now resorting to unconventional transport methods such as horse-drawn carriages and electric tricycles to traverse the vast 375-hectare site.
Despite these overwhelming challenges, zoo director Juan Carlos Santos has confirmed that the animal population remains stable – a testament to the dedication of the workforce and innovative collaborations with local businesses. These partnerships have been instrumental in ensuring the welfare of the animals during this period of crisis.
In an effort to address the long-standing operational pressures on the institution, Cuban officials are exploring recent economic reforms aimed at transitioning the country's socialist economy towards a free-market model. This shift could pave the way for foreign investment, enhance scientific exchanges, and secure vital supplies – potentially alleviating some of the strain on the zoo.