To convert Gato into an attraction, he was forced to jump through rings of fire, so Gato spent his days learning how to do this, so that the men would stop whipping and hurting his legs. The excessive violence used against Gato, combined with very poor nutrition (Gato was fed only bread and water), led to poor bone formation and resulted in serious injuries. His condition was deplorable, his quality of life unworthy and his spirit broken, every time the whip beat his fragile body.

One day the circus stopped in the town of Villa Tunari, Bolivia, far from the mountains where Gato was born. However, it was here that people discovered the suffering of this animal, and it was here where the rescue operation began. The circus was followed by people that cared about Gato from town to town, all the way from Villa Tunari to Cochabamba, where the authorities helped CIWY volunteers to rescue Gato.

When Gato arrived at Parque Machia, the suffering he had endured was such that he could not stand or walk, he didn’t know how to eat meat and he could not trust any human beings. Inti Wara Yassi strived to provide good conditions for Gato’s recovery and rehabilitation, but it was thanks to the care and patience of the volunteer that worked with Gato, that he was able to recover. She spent nine months with Gato, dedicating all of her time to teaching him to eat and carrying out physiotherapy treatments. Given an abundance of love, Gato grew in strength and learnt how to walk and eat, but more importantly now had someone he could trust.

Today Gato can be seen walking and running along trails through the park, always under the care of his friends, his beloved volunteers

 

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