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Erik the Red was given a retirement party Sunday after 15 years as ship’s cat and mascot to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic on the CSS Acadia in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The 18 year-old orange tabby cat served as ship’s Rodent Control Officer and museum ambassador.
Erik is well known to visitors and locals and could be seen visiting neighborhood shops when not on board the Acadia, an Edwardian-era ship that is part of the museum.
The CSS Acadia was in active use from 1913-1969. The specially fitted vessel was employed as a hydrographic surveying ship and was twice commissioned by the Royal Canadian Navy. (via Wikipedia)
Erik will spend his retirement in a Halifax home with one of his museum colleagues, ship-keeper Steve Read.
His retirement got a lot of coverage at the museum’s Twitter feed, where he received numerous messages from friends and fans.
The guest of honor was said to have napped through much of his party, occasionally waking for scritches.
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“Rodent Control Officer” Erik is retiring today from @ns_mma‘s CSS Acadia. A party was held. #ErikRetires #Halifax pic.twitter.com/MOcqrtN4vl
— Steve Silva (@SteveCSilva) September 20, 2015
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Happy retirement Erik! Sweet dreams … So happy to see you and say farewell ! #erikretires pic.twitter.com/FgZ6v1tj0t — Chris (@caalbrecht) September 20, 2015
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Always ready to spring into action #Erikretires @ns_mma pic.twitter.com/KGuvK5jmGL
— HFX Waterfront VIC (@HFXWaterfrtVIC) September 20, 2015
