Community, sponsors celebrate grand opening and ribbon cutting of the new exhibit
[NEWPORT NEWS, VA – April 6, 2026]
The Virginia Living Museum celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting of its newly renovated bobcat habitat on Saturday, April 4, welcoming the public to meet the exhibit’s charismatic resident, Sarge.
Sarge, a three-legged bobcat and beloved resident of the Museum, received the key to his new habitat along the outdoor nature trail. While his story is one of resilience, Sarge’s greatest role today is as an ambassador for his wild counterparts found throughout Virginia’s forests and wetlands. Learn more about Sarge’s story here.
Bobcats (Lynx rufus) are the only wild feline still found in Virginia and are highly adaptable predators that live in habitats ranging from coastal swamps to mountain forests. Through Sarge, visitors can learn more about these elusive native cats and the importance of protecting the ecosystems they depend on.
“Sarge has a personality that is larger than life,” said Britt Sorensen, Training and Enrichment Coordinator “He’s curious, playful, and full of energy, and he quickly wins over everyone who meets him. But beyond his charm, Sarge helps us tell an important story about wildlife conservation and how humans and native animals share the same environment.”
The new habitat was designed to support Sarge’s natural behaviors, giving him opportunities to climb, explore, and interact with enrichment that supports his well-being while allowing guests to observe and learn about this fascinating native species.
Visitors to the exhibit will discover how bobcats play an important role in Virginia’s ecosystems and how people can help protect wildlife through conservation efforts, responsible outdoor practices, and support of organizations dedicated to wildlife care and education.
The Virginia Living Museum extended special thanks to Exhibit Lead Benefactors the Connelly Family with generous support from Dominion Energy, Kathy and Mark Howell, the Randolph D. Rouse Foundation, and the Caroline McCoy Jones Foundation for their generous support in making the new bobcat habitat possible.
“Partnerships with community supporters make projects like this possible,” said Rebecca Kleinhample, Executive Director and CEO. “Their generosity helps us continue caring for animals like Sarge while inspiring the next generation of conservationists.”
Guests can visit Sarge daily at the Museum and learn more about ways to support his care through programs such as animal adoptions, memberships, and donations that directly benefit the animals and educational mission of the Museum.
