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New Bobcat has a name

Newport News, Va. (October 3, 2020) – The Virginia Living Museum asked the community to help name a male juvenile bobcat, and the votes are in. From over 250 suggested names, Virginia Living Museum narrowed the voting down to three choices:

 

Did SARGE win? The suggestion because his personality is so large and in charge!

 

Perhaps RUFUS won, short for his scientific name Lynx Rufus.

 

Or did TROOPER, chosen because of his great physical struggle win?

 

With 1,536 total votes cast, coming in third place with 88 votes and 5.7% of the vote – Trooper.

In second place, with 701 votes and 45.% of the vote – Rufus.

And the winner, with 747 total votes and 48.6% of the vote… the new name of the male juvenile bobcat is SARGE!

 

The Virginia Living Museum thanks the community for their responses and support for this orphaned, non-releasable native feline.

 

“Over the past few weeks, we have been hard at work preparing to introduce our young, male bobcat to the public,” said Dr. Kelsey Hayden. “His recovery has been simply remarkable. Despite the amputation of his damaged limb, this three-legged bobkitten is agile. We are ecstatic. This also means our work here is far from complete.  The Museum is now designing a new enclosure space for this rambunctious cat that will allow him to be able to display all of his natural, wild behaviors to explore, climb, and jump in a safe, secure environment. He has exceeded all expectations!” Dr. Hayden added.

 

Fundraising is now underway to raise the dollars necessary for an appropriate exhibit space. Sarge’s debut on the outdoor trail will be in the Museum’s future. Donations can be made online at: https://thevlm.org/join/donate/

 

Cocoa, the Museum’s veteran bobcat will remain on display in her native habitat and the Museum will provide special Behind the Scenes Tour opportunities shortly.

 

The Virginia Living Museum is dually accredited by the Alliance of American Museums and Association of Zoos and Aquariums. AZA accreditation is a process by which zoological and aquatic institutions are evaluated by recognized experts in the profession. The highest standards and best practices of the profession are demonstrated by accredited institutions.

 

The Museum is open daily from 9 am- 5pm and located at 524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News, I-64, exit 258A. For more information visit thevlm.org or call 757-595-1900. You can also find the Museum on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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