Kittens Take Over Minnesota Aquarium for Annual 'Field Trip'

Dozens of rescue kittens recently experienced the underwater world during a special field trip to the Sea Life aquarium at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota. The event, organized by the local rescue group Bitty Kitty Brigade, provided an opportunity for orphaned neonatal kittens to socialize in a unique environment.

The kittens, named after fair foods and other playful monikers such as Turkey Leg, Lottie Dottie, and Mouth Trap, explored the aquarium before it opened to the public. They peered through the glass at sharks, sea turtles, and colorful clownfish, with some kittens showing particular fascination and others opting for a quiet nap in the dim, calming atmosphere.

This marked the sixth year the Bitty Kitty Brigade has held this event. The organization focuses on finding foster homes for orphaned neonatal kittens and currently oversees approximately 1,000 kittens annually. According to Kya Anderson, an event director with the group, these outings are crucial for the kittens' development, helping them adjust more easily to potential adoptive homes.

Aquarium spokesperson John Sullwold noted that the event is designed to be engaging for the young cats. Sea Life has previously hosted puppies from another rescue organization, Safe Hands Rescue, on separate occasions.

The field trips serve not only as a socialization exercise for the kittens but also as a way to raise awareness for the Bitty Kitty Brigade's mission.