The Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is a popular tourist attraction known for its maze of extravagant mausoleums and the tomb of Eva Peron. One of the unique features of the cemetery was the colony of stray cats that roamed the grounds, adding a touch of whimsy to the place. For years, tourists were enchanted by the cats as they sunbathed and wandered the cemetery. However, in recent years, the population of cats at Recoleta has significantly decreased due to a controversial adoption drive aimed at improving the cats’ welfare.
The decline in the cat population at Recoleta has sparked mixed reactions among visitors and locals. While some see it as a positive step towards ensuring the well-being of the cats, others lament the loss of the beloved feline colony that added to the cemetery’s mysticism. The new caretaker of the remaining cats, Marcelo Pisani, ensures that they are fed and cared for daily, despite the challenges posed by the lack of shade and increased risk of disease in the cemetery. The cats have become less visible since the COVID-19 lockdown, with most of them coming out early in the morning or evening.
The issue of stray cats in Buenos Aires is part of a larger problem in Latin American cities where municipalities have minimal animal control measures in place. The cats at Recoleta have historically relied on the generosity of locals like Pisani, who dedicate their time and resources to caring for them. The recent adoption drive was met with resistance from some who saw the cats as an integral part of the cemetery’s charm. However, the push for adoptions gained momentum after the death of a key caretaker, leading to a decrease in the cat population at Recoleta.
While some cats were successfully adopted into new homes, the remaining colony at Recoleta faces an uncertain future. Pisani continues to care for the cats with the support of donations from tourists, but the decline in their numbers signals the end of an era at the cemetery. As concerns about stray animals persist in Buenos Aires and other cities, advocates stress the importance of government involvement in addressing the issue and ensuring the well-being of street animals. The story of the cats at Recoleta serves as a reminder of the complexities of urban fauna and the need for sustainable solutions to protect vulnerable animal populations.
