
On the southern edge of the Gropiusstadt Housing project in Neukölln lies the Gropiusstadt equestrian centre. Originally built as a horse stable, the equestrian centre has long-since expanded, with a large wooden chicken coup now attached to the back of the building, and in addition to the chickens and a small stable of horses, a large number of cats have also taken up residence. "Around 40 at the moment" estimated Mahmoud Fraiji, the keeper of the equestrian centre. Known in the local area as a sanctuary for unwanted pets, the cats are either brought there by their owners and then simply left, or sometimes, as Mr. Fraiji also remarked, the cats find their way there themselves.