WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2023
1B
THE COASTLAND TIMES
Outer Banks Not all those who wander (the Gardens) are lost
By Danielle Puleo danielle.puleo@thecoastlandtimes.com
Meet Kevin and Camellia, the two cats that are just as much a part of The Elizabethan Gardens on Roanoke Island as the plants and flowers that comprise this gorgeous venue. Kevin came from a home not too far away from the gardens. Gardens manager Dan Hossack said that he kept getting out and running to the gardens,
so much so that, eventually, Kevin made the gardens his permanent home. He is very recognizable by his black spots painted on a white fur coat, reminiscent of cow patches. And, most importantly, Kevin loves belly rubs. Camellia has lived on the premises since she was a kitten, and even had a litter on site. She is guesstimated to be around 12-years-old, as is Kevin. Camellia is black and white with some
brown mixed in. Her signature feature is the black spots under her nose, which make it appear like she has a little mustache. Early on, Camellia was known as “Mama Cat” after her litter was born, and Hossack fondly called her “Fluffy Butt,” before renaming her after a flower that graces the grounds. Hossack shared that Kevin and Camellia are very well taken care of by gardens staff. They are seen by Dr. Terri Davis,
who practices out of Virginia and volunteers at the gardens; she keeps the cats up on their vaccinations. Both felines are spayed/neutered. Kevin has taken up residence on the maintenance grounds, whereas Camellia spends her days around the garden’s nursery. Due to the fact that the felines have pretty much become family, new executive director Theresa Armendarez made room in the budget for the cat’s
needs, including food and vaccinations. “It’s been nice for them to have a lot more attention and get what they need,” the gardens manager said happily. Over the years, both Kevin and Camellia have had to be treated for different ailments. Hossack reported that Kevin came down with a nasty chest infection that led to multiple vet visits to drain fluid as well as medication. “We honestly didn’t know
if he was going to make it.” Camellia dealt with respiratory issues last summer, and was seen by Dr. Blythe Hayes at Sound Veterinary Hospital. Both cats responded to treatment and have recovered fully. Hossack said both cats are “friendly” and “easygoing.” Guests are welcome to interact with the cats while visiting the gardens and show them some love. “Ultimately, they just want loving.”
DANIELLE PULEO PHOTO
DANIELLE PULEO PHOTO
Camellia’s signature feature is the black spots under her nose, which makes it appear like she has a little mustache.
Kevin kept coming back to The Elizabethan Gardens so regularly that eventually he just called it home.