In brief
Coal was a fixture at the parliamentary cat colony, captivating visitors and locals alike for years.
Coal, the last cat of the well-known colony outside Canada's Parliament in Ottawa, has sadly passed away at the age of 17. This feline was a symbol of joy and companionship, adored by tourists and locals alike. Coal had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer that spread to his lungs, leading to his gentle passing this Tuesday. Not much is known about Coal's origins; he was believed to be abandoned as a kitten before making a home among nearly three dozen other cats and raccoons near the Centre Block building. Volunteers, including his adoptive owner Danny Taurozzi, tended to the colony, ensuring the cats were cared for and had makeshift shelters that resembled Parliament. The cat colony became a popular stop for tourists, drawing many visitors, including the Dalai Lama and former Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Coal's absence leaves a significant void in both the hearts of those who loved him and the vibrant atmosphere of Parliamentary Hill.
