Mr Grey is taking visitors
A historic mansion that has hosted politicians, royalty and academics has been taken over by a new kind of pedigree — a celebrity cat.
Governor Grey is a male burmese who arrived at Old Government House, at the northern end of the University of Auckland city campus, two years ago and is yet to leave.
“He just turned up one day,” says Emma Newborn, now official owner of Mr Grey and the house’s custodian. “He was very thin and wan, and he had a wonky back leg. He still sits with his leg out to the side.”
Ms Newborn felt sorry for the battered-looking cat, so she fed him, then put him outside for the night hoping he’d head off home.
“But after I found him sleeping under my car for three nights I realised he wasn’t going to go away.” So Mr Grey stayed. The formerly homeless puss is now a keen mousehunter with a very shiny coat. He is allowed free reign of the university grounds. He eats off antique china. He gets the best spot in front of the heater. And not only is he a favourite with visitors and students, he’s attracting the most modern kind of notoriety, on Facebook, with 1000 friends and counting.
While that pales in comparison to other famous felines, such as Japanese-born Maru, who has attracted 200 million views on Facebook, Mr Grey’s minders are proud of what he has achieved.
“I think he adds atmosphere,” said Ms Newborn.
“He helps create a sense of a community,” said Tim Biggs, staff common room manager at the house.
Mr Grey receives visitors from far and wide, patiently posing for selfies or spending an afternoon on an academic’s lap. He also takes gifts— one PhD student leaves him regular tins of food.
Ms Newborn said while Mr Grey attended poetry readings, meetings and lectures at the house, he is particularly partial to a good hunting trip down near the gardeners’ sheds. He also likes to test the university security guards, setting off alarms all over campus on his patrols.
“Governor Grey takes his duties as vice-regent very seriously and likes to keep a close eye over his dominion,” Ms Newborn said.
Mr Grey’s Facebook friends enjoy posting pictures of him to his page.
“It was a pleasure meeting you yesterday during my afternoon stroll. Spending 15 minutes with you made me really happy. Hope to see you soon!”, wrote one.
Mr Grey is named for New Zealand politician George Grey, who was twice Governor (1845 to 1853, and 1861 to 1868) and once Premier.
Old Government House was the seat of government until 1865 when the capital was moved to Wellington.