You may pass them without a second glance, barely registering their presence. those stray and abandoned animals. Sometimes they appear well enough, but more often they are neglected, ill, even abused—unwanted, their appearance often used as justification.
Life, as it is, can already be cruel. Yet for those animals, living alongside humans can feel no different from surviving in the wild. It was here that the conscience of those behind LUNI Lombok was stirred.
If we truly wish to inhabit a world that is fair and genuinely equal, perhaps it must begin with granting equal space to the lives around us—among them, those very wild and abandoned animals we so often overlook.
LUNI Lombok is a non-profit animal welfare organisation dedicated to protecting and improving the lives of island animals on Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno. With a strong focus on cats, LUNI Lombok delivers humane population control, accessible veterinary care, and daily welfare support through a comprehensive, community-based model.
At the heart of LUNI Lombok’s work is its Trap–Neuter–Vaccinate–Return (TNVR) programme for cats, operating across all three Gili Islands. By combining permanent clinics with mobile pop-up TNVR days, the organisation addresses the root causes of overpopulation, disease, and suffering in a sustainable and humane way.
In 2025 alone, LUNI Lombok treated 3,740 animals, a significant achievement for a small island-based non-profit operating with limited resources and relying heavily on donations, volunteers, and community support.
Core Pillars of LUNI Lombok’s Work
1. Two Non-Profit Veterinary Clinics
LUNI Lombok operates two non-profit veterinary clinics, located on Gili Trawangan and Gili Air. These clinics follow a clear and equitable system:
- Stray animals receive free treatment and sterilisation
- Locally owned animals are treated at heavily discounted rates when sterilisation is agreed
- Owned pets have access to affordable care, including weekly free spay days
This model ensures funds are prioritised for animals most in need while encouraging responsible ownership.
2. TNVR Pop-Up Clinics on All Three Islands
In addition to the permanent clinics, LUNI Lombok runs regular TNVR pop-up clinics for cats on Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno, enabling large-scale sterilisation and vaccination even in areas without permanent facilities.
3. Cat Café, Shop, and Sanctuary
LUNI Lombok operates a cat café with a small shop on Gili Trawangan, home to rescued and disabled cats who cannot survive on the streets. Tourists and visitors are warmly welcomed to stop by, sip a homemade lemon iced tea, cuddle the resident kitties, and learn more about island animal welfare.
The on-site shop offers cute souvenirs and cat supplies, allowing visitors to support LUNI Lombok’s work in a tangible way. The café provides long-term care for its resident cats, raises awareness, and generates vital income to support the organisation’s welfare programmes.
4. Water for Island Animals
Recognising the challenges of extreme heat and limited freshwater on small islands, LUNI Lombok maintains water stations for island animals, including cows, deer, and local wildlife, ensuring reliable access to clean drinking water throughout the year.
5. Food Stations and “Pussy Patrols”
Through organised food stations and daily “pussy patrols” on Gili Trawangan and Gili Air, LUNI Lombok cares for approximately 1,000 cats every day. These patrols monitor health, provide food and drinking water, identify animals needing treatment, and maintain consistent welfare standards across the islands.
6. Wildlife Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Free-Roaming Cow Care
LUNI Lombok provides wildlife rescue and rehabilitation for injured or distressed island animals and conducts weekly health checks of the free-roaming cow population across the Gili Islands. When medical issues are identified, treatment is provided promptly to reduce suffering and prevent the spread of disease.
“Our work is about long-term solutions, not quick fixes,” says Bethan, clinic manager, from LUNI Lombok. “By combining veterinary care, TNVR, daily feeding, and community cooperation, we are creating a healthier balance for animals and people on the Gili Islands.”
LUNI Lombok continues to rely on donations, partnerships, and volunteer support to sustain and expand its programmes, ensuring that island animals receive the care and protection they deserve.
