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VMNH is now home to the fossil remains of an ancient cat found deep inside a cave in western Virginia and VMNH Members are invited to view portions of this magnificent cat during a preview reception on November 19, 2021 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.! The RSVP deadline is November 15!
**Please note that this event is for VMNH Members only. If you are not a VMNH Member, you can become a member today to take part in this and other members-only events!**
About the Ancient Cat
Affectionately named "Petra", the skeleton laid undisturbed for many centuries until a field crew of nearly a dozen experts led by former Virginia Museum of Natural History Assistant Curator of Paleontology (and current Fitzpatrick Chair of Paleontology at the Science Museum of Minnesota) Dr. Alex Hastings successfully excavated the fossil remains from the cave in recent weeks.
While the species and exact time period in which Petra lived remain a mystery, it could possibly be an American cheetah (Miracinonyx inexpectatus). This extinct species lived during the Pleistocene epoch, which ended approximately 11,700 years ago with the end of the last Ice Age.
After the field crew successfully extracted the fossils, Dr. Hastings carefully transported them to the VMNH paleontology lab, where VMNH Assistant Curator of Paleontology Dr. Adam Pritchard and Paleontology Technician Lucy Treado have begun the formidable work of preparing the fossils for scientific research and eventual exhibition inside the museum galleries.
The extraction of the skeleton wouldn't have been possible without the tremendous support of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Division of Natural Heritage, Karst program, as well as The Cave Conservancy of the Virginias, The Science Museum of Minnesota, and the U.S. Forest Service.
About the Reception
On Friday, November 19 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., we invite VMNH Members to join museum scientists as they offer a first look at this ancient cat. During the reception, attendees will receive tours of the paleo lab where much of the cat fossil material is currently stored, as well as the opportunity to socialize with museum scientists and staff inside the Harvest Foundation Hall of Ancient Life. Opening remarks by VMNH Executive Director Dr. Joe Keiper will take place at 6 p.m., followed by additional remarks from VMNH Assistant Curator of Paleontology Dr. Adam Pritchard. Food and drinks will be served...menu below!
VMNH Members can RSVP today by calling 276-634-4162 or by emailing us today! The RSVP deadline is November 15!
**Please note that the image shown in this event listing is of the cat as it was found deep within the cave. The field crew had to carefully extract the cat skeleton in numerous pieces in order to remove it from the cave. The material that will be shown during the reception will not be the reconstructed cat skeleton.
Reception Menu
Beer & Wine (and the specialty drink “The Petra”)
Soda & Water
Chattering Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Furr-ocious Fruit Tray
Vibrissae Veggie Tray
Caterwauling Cheese Tray
Purr-fect Peanut Butter Balls
