Project Baukalo Launched to Manage Hulhumalé Stray-Cat Population
The government has launched Project Baukalo, a one-year national initiative aimed at improving animal welfare, maintaining cleaner public spaces and promoting responsible coexistence between communities and animals.
An initiative jointly by the Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources and the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), the Hulhumalé pilot will focus on the humane management of the city’s stray-cat population through a mass Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programme, adoption initiatives, responsible feeding and cleanliness measures, public awareness and community engagement.
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Minister Ahmed Shiyam attended the launch and commitment-signing ceremony alongside HDC Managing Director Brigadier General (Retd) Ali Zuhair, representatives of NGOs and veterinary clinics, and the chief commissioners of the Maldives Girl Guides and Scout Associations.
The initiative brings together government institutions, animal-welfare organisations, community groups and other stakeholders to develop a sustainable model for safer and cleaner communities.’
The initiative comes as the government continues efforts to address concerns surrounding the Olhu Hiyaa cat shelter in Hulhumalé Phase 2.
The facility has faced operational and animal-welfare concerns, including a disease outbreak in 2025 that reportedly resulted in the deaths of 51 cats within 20 days. The ministry subsequently reopened a tender in February 2026 for renovation work covering the isolation unit, general holding area and other parts of the facility after initial bids exceeded the allocated budget.
As of March 2026, 352 cats had been relocated to Olhu Hiyaa, with a veterinary clinic established at the facility. Animal Welfare Minister Dr Maryam Mariya said 60 male cats had been neutered and five female cats spayed at the time.
The launch of Project Baukalo now introduces a broader approach centred on Trap-Neuter-Return, adoption, responsible feeding and community management, rather than relying solely on sheltering stray cats.
