Puerto Rico's Historic Fortress Cats Win Temporary Reprieve from Removal
U.S. government halts plan to remove stray cats from San Juan's El Morro fortress amid legal challenge. The iconic felines, both loved and criticized, remain a subject of debate in the historic district.
In a recent development, the U.S. government has temporarily suspended its plan to remove approximately 200 stray cats from a historic district in San Juan, Puerto Rico's capital. This decision comes in response to a legal challenge filed by the organization Alley Cat Allies.
Yonaton Arnoff, an attorney representing Alley Cat Allies, stated, "It's a victory for the short term, but long term, these cats are still at risk." The felines, which have become a notable tourist attraction, reside in and around the 16th-century fortress known as El Morro, part of the San Juan National Historic Site operated by the U.S. National Park Service.
El Morro, officially named Castillo San Felipe del Morro, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. Built between 1539 and 1589, this impressive structure has withstood attacks from notable historical figures such as Sir Francis Drake and Dutch forces. The fortress, with its six levels facing the Atlantic Ocean, stands as a testament to San Juan's rich history as the oldest European-founded city under U.S. jurisdiction.
The U.S. National Park Service raised concerns in 2022 about the growing cat population, citing potential health risks to humans and sanitation issues. In late 2023, they announced plans to contract an animal welfare organization for cat removal, with a deadline of six months before considering a removal agency.
This decision sparked heated public debates. Critics expressed concerns about the fate of the removed cats, questioning whether they would be adopted, fostered, or face other outcomes. Arnoff argued that removing the current cats would be futile, as new felines would likely take their place.
The cats of El Morro have a long history in the area. Some are believed to be descendants of colonial-era cats, while others were introduced by a former mayor in the mid-20th century to control the rat population. Today, they roam the trails surrounding the fortress, which is part of Old San Juan's historic district, covering about 7 square blocks and known for its distinctive blue cobblestone streets.
"We feed, spay, and neuter the cats, and work to place them into adoption. However, finding homes for so many cats is challenging, with mainland U.S. sanctuaries often at capacity."
The legal proceedings have postponed the removal plan, originally scheduled for October 2024, until a judge rules on the lawsuit filed by Alley Cat Allies in March 2024. The nonprofit alleges that the plan violates several acts, including the National Environmental Protection Act. A ruling is not expected until the first quarter of 2025.
As the debate continues, the cats remain a visible part of Old San Juan's landscape, even honored with a nearby statue. The area, which became a U.S. territory in 1898 after the Spanish-American War, continues to balance its rich historical heritage with modern challenges.
The ongoing situation at El Morro reflects broader issues of urban wildlife management and historic preservation. As San Juan, with its tropical monsoon climate and centuries-old city walls up to 60 feet tall, grapples with this unique challenge, the fate of these iconic cats remains uncertain, symbolizing the complex interplay between nature, history, and urban development.
