Endangered caimanes llaneros at Merecure Park in Meta, Colombia, have reportedly turned to cannibalism due to a lack of food [1, 2].
The situation highlights critical failures in the management of a conservation program designed to protect a species already facing extinction. Because the animals are under state-sponsored care, the reports of starvation and predation suggest a systemic collapse in resource allocation for wildlife preservation.
The National University of Villavicencio made the allegations public on April 28, 2026 [1]. A spokesperson for the university said, "Se están comiendo entre ellos por falta de alimento" [1]. According to reporting by El Tiempo, the crisis has worsened over the last eight months [2].
The species is legally protected under Resolution 0676, dated July 21, 1997, which declared the llanero caiman endangered [2]. The current conflict stems from intermittent feeding schedules and a lack of resources within the conservation program, factors that led to extreme stress among the population [1, 2].
There are conflicting reports regarding the current status of the animals. While some reports suggest the situation remains critical [1, 2], Caracol Televisión said the caimans at Merecure Park have finally returned to eating after the periods of food instability [3].
The university's investigation continues to scrutinize the park's handling of the animals. The controversy has sparked a wider environmental debate in Colombia regarding the ethics of keeping endangered species in facilities that cannot guarantee basic biological needs.
“"Se están comiendo entre ellos por falta de alimento"”
This incident underscores the volatility of ex-situ conservation efforts when funding or management is inconsistent. When a program fails to provide basic sustenance for a species protected by law, it risks accelerating the extinction of the very animals it is tasked with saving, potentially leading to legal repercussions for the managing entities.
