The ginger cat who became a Queens Park attraction
A Facebook group was set up called “Junior of Queens Park” - which now has over 2200 members - where people have posted their photos and tales of their catchups with Junior.
Queens Park users are mourning quite possibly Invercargill’s most popular cat - Junior.
Junior - a six-year-old ginger and white cat - lived on Queens Drive in Invercargill with his owner but his second home was across the road at Queens Park.
He was a regular visitor in and around the Winter Gardens area and became a popular personality with Queens Park users - in particular children.
Junior lapped up the attention and was more than happy for a pet or two, a cuddle, and more often than not a photo.
On occasions, Junior would find himself locked overnight in the Winter Gardens and could be spotted waiting at the door.
A Facebook group was set up called “Junior of Queens Park” - which now has over 2200 members - where people have posted their photos and tales of catchups with Junior.
On Wednesday owner Christine Morrison posted about Junior’s death.
“So hard to write Junior was hit by a car last night and has passed away… 6 years old and loved by so many.”
It prompted a flood of comments from people with memories and photos of Junior at Queens Park near the Winter Gardens.
“Junior and I would often chill in the Winter Gardens on a crap day and I knew most of his hiding spots. I’ll miss him like he was my own,” one person wrote.
Another said: “Queens Park will not be the same without the awesome Junior to welcome guests and show them around his second home. He was such a one-of-a-kind unique cat and will be missed by many of us who went to QP to see him.”
One person wrote: “He was the first friendly face that I met when I first arrived in Invercargill.”
One commenter suggested a GoFundMe page should be set up and a small statue put in one of Junior’s favorite places.
RIP Junior.
So sad to read about this. I was on holiday from Christchurch last March and encounted him outside the Winter Gardens while I was exploring Queens Park. I knew nothing about him and didn't think he would be allowed inside which was what he wanted, so he stayed outside and kept me company for about half an hour. I took three photos of him which I still have on my phone as he brightened up my day.
awwww, this news brought tears to my eyes, fly high angel Junior, you will be so missed.