Travel Report: Anima, Macau.

February 2018. Wonderboy and I were walking from Seac Pai Van Park to the main street of Coloane Village when we unexpectedly stumbled upon Anima Macau, an Animal Protection Centre on Estrada do Altinho de Ka Ho. However, when we arrived at the iron gates at the main entrance, it looked like the place was closed. But then, just as we were walking away, a Portuguese woman appeared. “You want to come in?” she asked, rattling a ring of keys from the belt at her waist.

Anima Society For Protection of Animals, Macau.

The centre opened in December 2003, the brainchild of cofounders Fátima Galvão and Regina Pais. It didn’t take us long to see that the place is essentially a giant cattery with a smattering of other animals along with an attached dog kennel. The centre was inspired by Macau’s staggering lack of animal protection laws.

Anima Society For Protection of Animals, Macau.

Anima Macau.

The Portuguese woman I met at Anima Macau that day was Anna, the centre’s friendly manager. Having welcomed us, she also took the time to give us a bit of background info. Moreover, she was more than happy for us to wander around by ourselves. Most cats came running up to us, meowing like mad. “Love me, please!!!!” Others, like this one, seemed less impressed by our arrival.

Anima Society For Protection of Animals, Macau.

Don’t adopt a cat. Do not adopt a cat. Avoid adopting a cat. It was difficult for me to meet so many adorable and vulnerable creatures without doing the knight in shining armour thing. You know I do have a history in this regard. I’m looking at you Amsterdam and Malaga. This time however, the logistics of getting one of these fluffballs back home to China would have proved insurmountable. Hence I made do with simply chatting to Anna and leaving Anima Macau a donation.

Anima Society For Protection of Animals, Macau.

Even Wonderboy, who isn’t particularly moved by cats, got on famously with Anima Macau’s playful residents. Anyone interested in adopting can get all the info they need at www.animamacau.org.

Anima Society For Protection of Animals, Macau.

For more on my time in this amazing corner of China, check out my other articles on Macau.

Like these? Then why not leaf through my many more reports from across China.

I’ve also written a short story series called Challenged in China.

I’ve been living, working and traveling all over the world since 2001. So why not check out my huge library of travel reports from over 30 countries.