Therefore, people began calling it, "El Parque de los Gatos"—the Cat Park.
Not everyone is a fan of the cats, though. Some locals think it’s unsanitary to have so many cats in the park. Others, however, love it. People who live in apartments and aren’t allowed to have pets especially enjoy the park. For them, Kennedy Park is a place where they can enjoy the companionship of cats without being able to have one at home.
At first, I was hesitant to approach the cats, but as we got closer, it was clear they were well-fed and healthy. There’s even a group called "Grupo Voluntario de Defensa Felina" (Feline Protection Volunteer Group) that cares for the cats. They give the cats food and provide basic veterinary services, like vaccinations and spaying/neutering. On weekends, they also set up an adoption booth at the park.
The park relies on community support to care for the cats. People can donate money to sponsor a cat, which helps cover the costs of their food and vet care. This sanctuary is a great example of how a community can come together to meet the needs of animals while keeping their public spaces beautiful.
Taking care of these cats isn’t just about helping animals—it’s also about bringing people together. In Lima, this effort shows how important it is for communities to work together to solve problems.
