Through a Memorandum of Understanding, the Conservancy works in partnership with Animal Care Services (ACS), the Feral Cat Coalition, and the City Parks and Recreation Department to maximize the health and manage the growth of the feral cat population within Brackenridge Park.
Since the program began in 2011, the number of cats has declined.
In 2018, the San Antonio Area Foundation (SAAF) awarded the Brackenridge Park Community Cats Project a grant of $15,000 to support the no-growth goal of the Park’s feral cat population.
Under the direction of a volunteer coordinator, volunteers count and observe the cats, monitor their health, and if any new cats have been added due to abandonment, trigger the Trap-Neuter-Return program. The volunteers also trap the feral cats and transport them to ACS for spaying and neutering.
The vigilant and dedicated volunteers are invaluable to the success of the program. The volunteer coordinator reports to the Conservancy executive director on a regular basis and is a hands-on expert on the ground.
ACS treats cats in non-emergency situations and keeps cats that are suitable for adoption. Cats needing emergency medical care are transported to the Alamo Hills Animal Hospital. During the SAAF grant period, immediate medical care was required seven times.
The challenge, however, continues to be abandonment.