Ever met a cat that loves water?
The Tallahassee Museum will welcome, Marina, a rare fishing cat as its guest July 11, during its Swamp Stomp Music Festival.
Marina will travel from the Twin Pine Conservation Institute in South Carolina to the museum’s guest animal exhibit for visitors to get a rare glimpse of the rare species.
Native to the wetlands of South and Southeast Asia, the feline is a specialized hunter with stocky and short limbs, webbed toes and a water resistant double coat for a smooth dive to catch fish.
“Fishing cats are a perfect example of how specialized and surprising the animal kingdom can be,” Suzie Buzzo, animal curator at the Tallahassee Museum said in press release. “Most people picture cats avoiding water at all costs, so we’re excited to give visitors a chance to catch this incredible feline in action by introducing live fish and other interactive enriching activities. Sharing a vulnerable species like this with our community helps visitors understand the pressures wetland habitats face around the world, and why protecting them matters here at home, too.”
The species is classified as vulnerable as wild populations decline due to habitat destruction. Fishing cats typically live in marshes and swamps, which makes Marina’s debut during the museum’s Swamp Stomp Music Festival a fitting occasion.
“It’s a wonderful coincidence that our newest, most water-loving resident debuts on the same day as one of our most beloved community traditions,” Buzzo said. “We hope families come early to meet the fishing cat before staying for an evening of music.”
Lauded as the museum’s longest running music festival, the Swamp Stomp will start at 4 p.m. and end at 9 p.m. Guests can also explore wildlife exhibits, including Marina’s and enjoy live music.
Buy tickets and learn more about the event at tallahasseemuseum.org/events/swamp-stomp/
The Tallahassee Democrat will soon visit Marina to see her in action. Follow along to see videos and more photos soon.
Alaijah Cross covers children & families for the Tallahassee Democrat. She can be reached at abrown@tallahassee.com.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Meet Marina, the rare fishing cat visiting Tallahassee Museum
Reporting by Alaijah Cross, Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Alaijah Cross, Tallahassee Democrat | USA TODAY Network
