Svetlana Fenichel is a student at Richard Stockton College of New Jersey and an ISA Featured Blogger. She is currently studying abroad with ISA in Cusco, Peru.
Although the unemployment rate is pretty high in the city of Lima, that doesn’t affect the cats working at the Kennedy Park in Lima, also often referred to as the “cats park.”
The Kennedy Park is one of the highlights of the upscale district of Miraflores, the beautiful park was initially built on the water canal, which resulted in the big population of rats that were damaging to the flora of this green zone. The local authorities found a clever way of fighting the problem; instead of utilizing chemicals to keep the growing rat population under control, they took a less traditional path and invited local stray cats to get involved in solving the escalating problem.
The cats have been very diligent in performing their tasks, and barely leave the territory of the park. They peacefully coexist with each other and multinational visitors, and have become a real symbol of the park. Now, as I was informed by one of the park service workers, there are more advanced ways of fighting the rats’ problem. Yet, the retired cats preferred to stick to their workplace and keep enjoying the amazement of tourists and love of the Limeños. I asked a local Peruvian guy who came to relax in the beautiful park, if the cats have names. He told me that they do, but later added that everyone can call them whatever names they feel like. So if you get to spot a gato you favor most, you can grant it a name of your choice. Either you come up with one or not you are most likely guaranteed attention from your newly acquainted four-footed friend. Such unconventional approach to common problem is only one of the amazing discoveries that are awaiting me in Peru.
What an original post!
Reblogged this on BROOK STONEBRIDGE and commented:
:X
Thank you all, I am glad that you enjoyed my entry. It is great sharing experiences like that with you!!