Frank Cuesta, a well-known animal rights advocate and former host of the show Frank de la Jungla, is once again embroiled in controversy after the release of audio recordings that could potentially jeopardize his career. The audios, which were leaked by a former collaborator named Chi, allegedly feature Cuesta discussing his involvement in the trafficking of protected species and plans to harm animals that he claims threaten his sanctuary.
On May 7, 2025, an unnamed friend came to Cuesta's defense following the public outcry sparked by the leaked recordings. In these audios, Cuesta purportedly admits to purchasing three small suricatas for 30,000 (currency unspecified) as an investment. He is also heard discussing a disturbing plan to mix cat food with poison to eliminate animals he perceives as threats, specifically stating, "I’m going to mix cat food with poison to kill them, I’m sorry, but that’s how it is. If you have a cat, you keep it at home." This shocking admission has resonated deeply with animal welfare advocates and the general public, raising serious ethical concerns about his actions.
Cuesta's troubles began to escalate following the imprisonment of his ex-wife, Yuyee, which had already placed him under intense scrutiny. The recent revelations have led many to question his previously-established image as a protector of animals. Chi, his former friend, released the audios in an effort to expose what he described as episodes of animal torture occurring at Cuesta's sanctuary. In one particularly alarming statement, Cuesta allegedly said regarding dogs that were killing his animals, "I’m going to poison them every day until all the dogs around die. I’m sorry for the dogs, but they are killing my animals, and I have to take care of them, so I kill the bad predator, and that’s it."
The backlash from these statements has been swift. Thousands of Cuesta's followers have expressed their outrage on social media, demanding accountability and clarity regarding his actions. In response to the mounting pressure, Cuesta took to Instagram to issue a statement. He claimed that he and his family would remain silent during the ongoing judicial process, alleging that he is a victim of defamation and manipulation aimed at destroying his personal and professional image. He stated, "My family and I have decided not to make any declarations until the conclusion of all ongoing judicial processes."
Cuesta's legal troubles are compounded by his previous encounters with the law. He has been detained multiple times in Thailand, where he operates a sanctuary for animals. His most recent arrest occurred less than two months ago, when authorities raided his sanctuary, accusing him of illegally possessing dangerous animals. Following his release, Cuesta claimed that the actions against him were part of a concerted effort to destroy him from multiple fronts.
In addition to his legal woes, Cuesta is reportedly undergoing treatment for cancer, which he has been battling for several years. He has indicated that the treatment has led to changes in his physical and mental state, and he hopes to continue his work with animals despite the challenges he faces. However, Chi has publicly questioned the authenticity of Cuesta's cancer diagnosis, claiming he has not observed any symptoms.
The leaked audios and their implications could lead to serious legal consequences for Cuesta, including potential imprisonment for violating animal welfare laws in Thailand, which could carry penalties of up to two years in prison and fines of up to 1,000 euros. As public outrage continues to grow, many are calling for a thorough investigation into Cuesta's actions and the operations of his sanctuary.
Cuesta's situation highlights the complexities of animal rights advocacy, where the line between protection and exploitation can often become blurred. His past as a wildlife rescuer and advocate has been overshadowed by these recent allegations, leaving many to wonder if he can reclaim his reputation and the trust of the public.
As the judicial process unfolds, Cuesta's future remains uncertain. He has vowed to provide explanations once the legal matters are resolved, but for now, he faces a storm of criticism and legal challenges that could fundamentally alter his life and career in the animal welfare community.
