Busan is setting up a temporary shelter through a public-private partnership to protect stray cats that have lost their habitat due to the redevelopment of the Suyeongman Yachting Center.
The city said Tuesday that it plans to build and operate a temporary shelter for stray cats in the pine forest area of Dongbaek Park in U-dong, Haeundae-gu. The Suyeongman area is surrounded by the sea, a six-lane road, and densely packed apartment complexes, making natural migration virtually impossible. With demolition of existing buildings beginning this month as part of the redevelopment project, urgent protective measures have become unavoidable.
The city initially considered gradually relocating the cats to areas near their existing habitat, but shifted its approach to setting up a temporary shelter after struggling to secure a safe alternative space. Officials said the decision prioritized the lives and safety of the animals.
The project is being carried out through a cooperative structure involving the city, the private developer, and local residents. The city is providing a site similar to the existing habitat environment and handling administrative and financial support. IPARK Marina, the project operator, is responsible for installing the shelter and relocating the cats, while local cat caretakers manage on-site care, including feeding and hygiene.
About 50 cats are covered by the protection program, all of which have completed trap-neuter-return (TNR) procedures, infectious disease testing, and basic vaccinations. Relocation will proceed in phases starting early next month to help the cats adjust to the new environment, and they will be returned to their original habitat once redevelopment construction is complete.
The city aims to institutionally manage animal protection issues that may arise during development and to build a sustainable management model based on citizen participation.
"This temporary shelter is a practical example of building a city where people and animals coexist," Busan Mayor Park Heong-jun said. "We will continue to create an urban environment where citizens and animals live in harmony through administration that prioritizes the value of life."
