Catch a glimpse of rare fishing cat in action at Tallahassee Museum

A rare fishing cat is set to be seen in action at the Tallahassee Museum as the museum prepares the debut of Marina, a guest animal in its exhibit. Marina will officially make her debut on Saturday, July 11, during the museum’s annual Swamp Stomp music festival. Museum staff say she arrived from the Twin Pine Conservation Institute in South Carolina, a nonprofit focused on wildlife care and conservation research. The article describes Marina’s behavior and physical adaptations, including webbed paws, partially retractable claws for holding fish, and a double-layer coat that helps prevent water from reaching her skin. Fishing cats are classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature due to threats such as wetland loss and habitat fragmentation. The museum positions Marina as an ambassador for wetland conservation and habitat protection.