Sofitel Is Closing: What Will Happen to Their Rescued Cats?
With the confirmed closure of Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila on June 30, there are concerns about the fate of the felines at the hotel's Cat Sanctuary.
"The 'closure' of Sofitel also means the closure of the Cat Sanctuary, the termination of employment for the people who work there, and who knows what'll happen to the cats that won't get adopted," says a post that has gone viral on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook groups.
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Why Exactly is Sofitel Closing Down?
Also called Whiskers Shelter, Sofitel's Cat Sanctuary opened in 2023 as part of its CSR programs. The facility, which features well-ventilated enclosures and play pens for rescued cats, is located amid the greenery of the hotel's property. It is also open to hotel guests who want to play with the community felines.
The Cat Sanctuary not only offers food, shelter, and medical care (vaccination and spaying/neutering) to community cats but also promotes adoption and responsible pet ownership. The rescues have been thriving at the shelter under the care of Joel Dela Cruz, the property maintenance supervisor at Sofitel.
Joel Dela Cruz, caretaker at Sofitel's Whiskers Shelter
"The most rewarding thing for me as a cat caretaker is, unlike others, they can't bring their hobbies to work. Me? I have them at work, and that's my stress reliever so that I can think clearly. [...] I'm happy that Sofitel created this project." Dela Cruz said in a YouTube interview posted by the hotel in March 2023.
So, what will happen to these rescued cats with the closure of the property?
"Our adoption rate has been very positive over the last few weeks. We are also looking for foster parents who can temporarily home those who won’t be adopted by [the] end of the month. We are still supporting the cat sanctuary to ensure the cats are given the best care and [are] ready for their new homes. Our cat caretakers are overseeing the adoption of the cats if we have interested fur parents," responded Marketing and Communications Manager Ivy Camille Quindoza when Esquire Philippines reached out about this concern.
Sofitel also became a pet-friendly hotel starting in 2022.
To adopt a rescue from Sofitel's Whiskers Shelter, you may reach them through +63939-248-3750 or follow Whiskers Program on Facebook.
