On the morning of 26/6, Tran Anh Tu, General Director of Thong Nhat Park Company, announced that the park's management is collaborating with Hanoi Dog and Cat Rescue Station (CPAPS) and Think Playgrounds to relocate stray cats from Hoa Binh Island.
This relocation is integral to a broader initiative to transform Thong Nhat Park into the capital's "Ecological and Educational Heart." According to Nguyen Tieu Quoc Dat, co-founder of Think Playgrounds, the project aims to plant more native trees, thereby increasing the richness of bird species, pollinating insects, and soil microorganisms by at least 20%. The ultimate goal is to evolve the park from a "decorative flower garden" into a multi-canopy, self-sustaining "urban forest ecosystem," fostering urban ecological diversity.
Surveys revealed a high density of stray cats on Hoa Binh Island, creating survival pressure for native animal populations such as egrets and kingfishers. The island's environment also lacks stable food sources and proper veterinary care for the cat population. Furthermore, the management board reported incidents of intruders stealing cats for meat, compromising the park's security.
"The relocation offers dual benefits for both bird species and the cat population," Dat said.
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Cat Island (Hoa Binh Island), Thong Nhat Park, Hanoi. *Photo: Giang Huy* |
According to CPAPS, by 25/6, the organization had successfully removed 32 cats from the island. These cats are currently at a central facility for health monitoring. Most were found to be heavily infected with parasites and require treatment before sterilization or rehoming.
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The CPAPS rescue team removing cats from the island. *Photo: CPAPS*
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The rescue team transporting cats to shore by motorboat. *Photo: CPAPS*
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A view of Hoa Binh Island. *Photo: CPAPS*
Known informally as "Cat Island," Hoa Binh Island is situated in the middle of Bay Mau Lake. It gained popularity among young visitors starting in late 2025. Park staff originally introduced most of the cats to the island 20 years ago to control the rat population. By January, the cat population was estimated at nearly 40, but inadequate sanitary conditions persisted due to a lack of dedicated management and cleaning staff.
With the relocation of all remaining cats, the management board anticipates restoring a healthy habitat for wild birds and deterring animal abuse within the park.
Hoai Anh
