Hulhumale’s New Cat Shelter Attracts Interest from Two NGOs, Says Ministry 

Two non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have submitted proposals to manage the newly established Olhuhiyaa cat shelter located in the reclaimed suburb of Hulhumale’.

The shelter was created by the government to care for stray cats in Male’ City and occupies a 5,000-square-foot plot in Hulhumale’. The state-of-the-art facility was officially inaugurated by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu in November 2024.

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On 26 February, the Male City Council formally handed over the Olhuhiyaa shelter to the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare. However, operations were delayed to allow for necessary renovations, including reinforcing the animal enclosures.

On 12 June, the Ministry invited interested parties to submit proposals to operate the shelter section of the facility. According to the Ministry, two NGOs have since expressed interest and submitted bids.

The Ministry is currently evaluating these proposals. It has also announced plans to recruit staff for the shelter, with hiring to take place after a managing party is selected.

As of April, the shelter was caring for approximately 30 cats. The Olhuhiyaa facility includes a quarantine area, a veterinary clinic, a laboratory, a pharmacy stocked with medicines, and designated living spaces for the animals.