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Elena Larrea, Mexican activist and founder of animal shelter "Cuacolandia" passes away at 31

Elena dedicated her life to rescuing horses and donkeys who were abused; she was an animal rights activist and defender

By Patricia Martínez2024-03-21T00:00:00+00:00

Social media users were saddened to learn of the death of Mexican activist Elena Larrea, a 31-year-old woman who had stood out as an animal rights defender.

Larrea dedicated her whole life to defending animals and her work led her to create a sanctuary that she called "Cuacolandia", where she took care of horses and donkeys that had been abused and mistreated.

Elana was recognized thanks to her fame as an animal rights defender and activist, so much that she managed, alongside the Animal Movement of Puebla (MAP), to classify zoophilia as a crime in that state.

On numerous occasions, she raised her voice against animal abuse of horses and donkeys that were forced to work or live in miserable conditions.

How did Elena Larrea die

Cuacolandia issued an official statement where they confirmed their founder’s death and said that her death was due to pulmonary embolism.

"With deep sorrow, we must inform you about the passing away of Elena Larrea, president and founder of Cuacolandia, who, sadly, yesterday March 18, 2024 at 3:30 PM, died due to a pulmonary embolism that caused a clot in her lung."

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How did Cuacolandia come to be? The tireless activism of Elena Larrea

The young woman organized a movement on social media where she reported the bad conditions and the neglect by authorities regarding horses that had been abused.

After she raised her voice and the case went viral, these animals were placed under her custody which is why she founded sanctuary Cuacolandia in 2019. Subsequently, other rescued donkeys and horses were sent here.

These species were exploited and forced to carry garbage on carts, race illegally, or were bought and then abandoned by their owners, which is why Elena Larrea approached the Prosecutor’s office to report the abuse, carry out the proper investigations, and get custody of these animals.

It should be noted that after the COVID-19 pandemic, the young woman went through very harsh economic hardship, which is why she started an OnlyFans account, which gave her the necessary financing to get medications, pay for veterinary follow ups, food, and hygiene items for animals. She said that 100% of the income were allocated for these investments.