A pair of orphaned kittens explored the Sea Life aquarium at the Mall of America, where they watched fish and rays swim overhead. One kitten watched intently as a large fish passed by, while the other played nearby.
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Inside a clear dome, a kitten named Turkey Leg raised its front legs to bat at the glass as colorful clownfish swam inches away. For nearly two hours, around two dozen rescue kittens, with names like Lottie Dottie and Funnel Cake, roamed the aquarium, which is located in a suburb of Minneapolis and is the largest shopping complex in North America.
Some kittens raced through a 300-foot underwater tunnel, pausing to look at a sand tiger shark and sea turtles, while others relaxed in the soothing blue light of the aquarium. This marked the sixth year that the Bitty Kitty Brigade, a rescue organization that finds foster homes for orphaned neonatal kittens, conducted this field trip.
According to aquarium spokesperson John Sullwold, the excursion is intended to be a fun and engaging experience for the kittens. The event took place early Monday morning, before the aquarium opened to the public.
Kya Anderson, the event director for the Bitty Kitty Brigade, highlighted the importance of these trips for socializing the kittens, which can help them adjust to homes when adopted. The organization is currently overseeing around 1,000 kittens this year. Anderson noted, "The kittens just get so excited to see the fish swimming around."
Sea Life aquarium has also hosted puppies from Safe Hands Rescue, though they are not included on the same day as the kittens due to their more energetic nature.