Who's cuter: a room full of cats or Gus the tortoise? This weekend sees two wild events from the Museum of Natural History, which will host its first ever “Cat Fest" on Saturday, August 8 and celebrate Gus the tortoise's 93 birthday on Sunday.
The cat festival is a new addition to the museum's summer lineup of events. It's related to the two cat-themed exhibits currently on display (The Lion’s Mane: Science in the Serengeti or Pounce: Cat’s from the Collection). But that wasn’t the only inspiration.
“Quite honestly, we were having a discussion at work about the success of Cat Con,” says Jeff Gray, curator of visitor experience and exhibitions. “By accident we realized that August 8 was also International Cat Day...so here we are.”
Cat Fest runs from 10am to 4pm and will feature a number of cat-themed exhibitions and vendors. Kids can take part in a scavenger hunt, or check out the museum’s feline exhibits. A loop of cat pictures submitted by the public will also be broadcast, along with a screening of Julie Guy’s documentary Wild at Heart: The Feral and Homeless Cat Crisis in Nova Scotia.
Yes, the museum will have live cats on hand for a cat show. But please leave your own kitties at home.
“We’ve posted a picture, a note, for cats if they’re disappointed they can’t come,” Gray says.
Not to be upstaged, Gus the tortoise—Halifax’s Lil’ Sebastian—invites the public to his 93 birthday spectacular on Sunday.
“It’s an event we do every year,” says Gray. Up until now, maybe with Cat Fest, it’s been the most popular event we do in the summer.”
As far as the museum staff know, Gus is the oldest gopher tortoise on record. So it’s not clear how much time he has left. “He’s charting new territory,” Gray says.
The beloved turtle seems to be in good health, and still enjoys his summer walks around the museum. Gray says he’s largely unfazed by the crowds of hundreds who show up every year for his birthday.
That's all well and good, but what does Gus think about cats?
“We’ll find out,” Gray says. “He always usually gets along when a big draw comes to the museum.”
Come offer Gus your best wishes on another year at two parties, one at 11am and another at 2:30pm. Cupcakes, lemonade and other birthday activities will be available to all.
Both events are free with regular admission.
