Nora García, president of the National Association for the Protection of Animals and Plants (Aniplant), passes away in Havana

March 18, 2025

The Cuban animal rights community mourned on Tuesday the death at age 78 of Nora García Pérez, a steadfast defender of "the protection of all animals, especially dogs and cats".

"With deep sorrow we announce the passing of Nora García Pérez", reads a post on the Facebook profile of the National Association for the Protection of Animals and Plants (Aniplant).

García Pérez, who was born on April 12, 1946, was president for more than 25 years of this non-governmental organization dedicated since the eighties to the protection of plants and animals.

Her death constitutes a "significant loss" for the animal rights community, also confirmed by the Cuban Canine Sports Federation in a message from their networks.

García Pérez's work was closely linked to promoting animal care among children and young people, which also forms part of her legacy, according to what is highlighted in the note promoted on social media.

As for promotion, she was also very connected to the media, especially to Radio Rebelde, Radio Progreso stations and the Educational Channel, where "on the Tarde en Casa program, it made her a communicator and inspirer of loving and respecting animals"

"Nora García Pérez was a person whom we deeply respected", wrote from the social media accounts of Animal Welfare Cuba (BAC), a network of animal rights activists that says it did not have "the best relations with ANIPLANT", when it was the only legally recognized association in Cuba.

"We demanded a lot from ANIPLANT to do its work. On that path of struggle, we were critical, we were demanding, but we also have to recognize that, little by little, thanks to our criticisms and those of many other organizations, ANIPLANT has changed".

Regarding who was its director, they state: "we knew that, despite her age, her love for animals was genuine and her commitment to her work, undeniable. We feel her departure and we join in the grief of those who knew her and worked with her".

According to the information, on Saturday the 22nd, starting at 10 am, and at the Aniplant headquarters, members, friends and all those who wish to can pay tribute to Nora García Pérez before her ashes. The Aniplant headquarters is located at Príncipe 128, between Espada and Hospital, Centro Habana.

Nora also carried out, together with María Álvarez Ríos (musician and pedagogue), important coordination work with the Grupo Meñique for more than a decade.