KUWAIT CITY, Oct 15: A large turnout of animal lovers were on hand Friday when K’S PATH or Kuwait Society for the Protection of Animals and Their Habitat reopened its doors following months of rebuilding after the devastating fire that destroyed most of the facility.

Over 200 people turned up and helped to celebrate the momentous event whilst enjoying fun fair games, food and music courtesy of Meaza Events and Funzone.

The event, sponsored by Abraaj Water, was an opportunity for animal loving people in Kuwait to see for themselves how their generous contributions of time and money were spent.

The new, expanded and updated facility now holds up to 90 dogs and 80 cats in addition to the new exotics room and other habitat areas that provides home to rabbits, turtles, donkeys, horses, baboons and sea eagles and any other creature needing a home.

A new wing that was built after the fire houses a surgery and medical room which allows the new resident vet to provide excellent medical care to the animals.

“This is the highly anticipated day we have been waiting for almost seven months”, says K’S PATH Chairman, Ayeshah Al-Humaidhi who added, “within 24 hours of the fire, volunteers were straight down at the shelter caring for the animals that had survived, cleaning, preparing for the rebuilding and fundraising. The community of Kuwait has really pulled together to make this happen and this day is for them.”

Some of the new habitats built, like those of the two sea eagles, was constructed such that the raptors have enough space for them to move around including a high perch unlike the old pigeon’s coop they were housed in previously.

The four baboons now have plenty of room to move about in a spacious enclosure likewise the two donkeys and three horses.

Guests were given a tour of the newly reopened facility after signing in and handing their donations that will go towards the upkeep of its residents, likewise proceeds of the sale of various merchandise displayed at different booths. Everyone also enjoyed the free food and drinks.