Chongqing's cat theme park draws visitors, aids rescues

Firefly Bay Cat Theme Park, a newly opened attraction in Southwest China's Chongqing, has drawn attention since its debut at the start of this year by combining animal welfare work with leisure tourism.

Located at the southern bank of the Yangtze River in Nan'an district, the park covers 30,000 square meters, or roughly four to five soccer fields, and houses a large population of rescued cats. Visitors pay an entrance fee of just 19.9 yuan ($2.85), which includes a complimentary cat treat. The park allows guests to interact with the animals in designated areas.

In addition to its animal facilities, the park features landscaped outdoor areas and seating where visitors can drink tea and view the river.

Operators describe the park as functioning both as a tourist destination and a rescue and adoption center. According to the park, it takes in abandoned, injured, and disabled cats and provides medical treatment, quarantine, vaccinations, and spaying or neutering.

Peng Chen, head of Firefly Bay, said that approximately two-thirds of the park is currently open to the public, with full access expected by April 1.