Coal, the final surviving cat from a notable colony outside Canada's Parliament, passed away at 17 after battling cancer. The colony had enchained and entertained tourists for decades, embodying the spirit of community and care from volunteers.
Farewell to Coal: Ottawa's Beloved Parliamentary Cat Passes Away
Farewell to Coal: Ottawa's Beloved Parliamentary Cat Passes Away
The last of Canada's famed parliamentary cats, Coal, has died, marking the end of an iconic cat colony that became a tourist attraction.
Coal, the last of the once-thriving cat colony outside Canada's Parliament, has sadly passed away at the age of 17. This feline resident of Ottawa was known for bringing joy to countless visitors who flocked to see him and his companions residing in makeshift shelters near the historic Centre Block. According to reports from his adoptive owner, Danny Taurozzi, Coal succumbed to an aggressive form of cancer that had aggressively invaded his lungs.
Coal's backstory remains shrouded in mystery, but he was thought to have been left at the colony as a kitten, eventually joining a community that once boasted about three dozen cats. The colony flourished in the untamed brush just steps from Parliament, a serene contrast to the bustling political scene. Volunteers, including Taurozzi, dedicated their time and effort to maintain the shelters, ensuring that the cats could thrive amid their urban surroundings.
Over the years, the colony became a beloved attraction, vying for attention alongside Canada’s Parliament Hill. Tourists would regularly stop by to say hello to Coal and his companions, many sharing fond memories of the cats’ antics. With visits from prominent figures such as the Dalai Lama and former Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the cat colony transcended being a mere tourist spot—it became part of the local culture and a symbol of care for stray animals.
As Coal’s life comes to an end, many remember not just the furball's presence but the warmth it radiated within this unique hub of wildlife. The community spirit nurtured around this feline colony will be a lasting legacy, reminding us of the simple joys brought about by the bonds shared between humans and animals.
