Renowned wildlife presenter Frank Cuesta has taken to his YouTube channel to share some unsettling news about his personal and professional life. Recently, Cuesta revealed he is forced to leave his beloved sanctuary and the country of Thailand due to serious legal issues. After years of battling acute complications related to chronic myeloid leukemia, Cuesta’s current struggle is not with his health, but with the law, following accusations from his ex-wife Yuyee Alissa.
Cuesta chronicled his decision to depart the sanctuary during one of his last walks on the property, stating, “It’s one of the last rounds I’ll be taking here for some time.” His tone was somber yet resolute as he outlined the upcoming changes to the sanctuary. “We’re preparing everything should there be some drastic changes,” he explained, indicating the need for the sanctuary to continue operating effectively even in his absence. “I will not leave the animals alone, nor take them away,” he stressed, ensuring his commitment to their care.
The background to this abrupt exit stems from multiple legal grievances lodged against him by Yuyee. The accusations include defamation, tax evasion, and animal cruelty—each charge carrying significant weight under Thai law. “They are asking for imprisonment, deportation, and damages,” Cuesta stated during one of his live broadcasts, encapsulating the gravity of the situation he faces.
His former wife, who has her own controversial history having served time for drug trafficking, claims Cuesta’s public persona has severely tarnished her image, directly impacting her employment prospects. The legal battle seems deeply intertwined with personal grievances, culminating from their tumultuous separation and subsequent disputes over custody and finances.
Venturing forward, Cuesta expressed concern for the animals under his care, announcing he would be preparing a specialized local team to oversee the sanctuary. “A supervised team accustomed to working with animals will be responsible for their care. Someone will come weekly to monitor everything,” he clarified, emphasizing his desire to maintain high standards even if he is not physically present.
Despite the looming legal shadows, Cuesta remains optimistic. “If I’m not here, I would continue doing live broadcasts about the animals,” he said, determined to keep the public engaged and informed about the sanctuary’s status, showcasing his dedication to animal welfare over his personal dilemmas.
Nevertheless, Cuesta’s circumstances have grown dire. “There’s the possibility I’ll end up in prison, be forced to leave Thailand, or find some resolution to prevent problems,” he admitted, presenting the grim options before him as he gears up for court proceedings. He is scheduled to appear before the court on March 6, where he will learn more about the charges against him, having three months to prepare his defense.
The very foundation of his sanctuary, Libertad, is at stake amid these legal wranglings. The sanctuary, which Cuesta has cultivated with love and dedication over the years, is faced with the potential of closing if the legal proceedings go against him. “I didn’t establish this place for the animals to be moved. It was created for them to live peacefully,” he stated, reflecting on his deep bond with the creatures he has fought to protect.
For Cuesta, the sanctuary has been more than just a refuge for animals; it's been his life's work, blending his passion for wildlife conservation with his public persona as a wildlife presenter. His latest video titled “I’m Leaving the Sanctuary” exposes the stark reality of the situation he is thrusting himself, where his struggles with health are overshadowed by mounting legal pressure.
Cuesta’s arrival at this pivotal juncture has not been without its toll on his mental health. Despite the rigorous demands of managing the sanctuary, he humorously noted the challenges he faces during this trying time—choosing to remain light-hearted even as the clouds gather. “No matter how things turn out, the sanctuary will still be here as long as I can fight for it,” he expressed, resolutely committed to protecting the sanctity of the space he created for his animals.
The upcoming months may define Cuesta's legacy not just as a caretaker of wildlife but also as someone who, against formidable odds, seeks to navigate personal battles with resilience. He encapsulated his thoughts eloquently, saying, “The only way for the sanctuary to continue functioning, if the trials go well, is for me not to be here—perpetual cycles of adaptation to avoid jeopardizing the animals’ welfare.”
Through the highs and lows of life, Cuesta stands as both defender and advocate, pledging to keep his beloved animals safe—even from afar if necessary. His courageous fight against cancer remains intertwined with his advocacy for animal rights, illustrating how passion can often transcend personal adversity. "I will continue my fight for them until I can,” he concluded with courage and clarity.