Palace Cinemas has announced the arrival of new cat Duke at the iconic Astor Theatre in St Kilda. Following in the paw prints of much-loved ‘Astor cat’ Marzipan, who sadly passed away in March 2013, Duke, a black and white short-haired cat, will make the Astor his permanent home after being adopted from not-for-profit organisation The Lost Dogs’ Home.
Fittingly, given his new address, Duke is named after silver screen legend John Wayne (whose nickname was “Duke”) by avid film fan and the Astor’s General Manager Zak Hepburn. “When we picked him out, he was pretty relaxed and had such a nonchalant swagger that I immediately knew his name should be Duke” says Zak. “Since Palace took over the Astor, there have been so many enquiries as to whether we’d get another cat and while Marzipan is irreplaceable, we thought as this year has marked a new chapter for the Astor, why not give Duke a new chapter in his life? And support a worthy cause like Lost Dogs’ Home” he enthuses.
For over a hundred years The Lost Dogs’ Home cares for more than 30,000 lost and abandoned cats and dogs each year throughout its shelters across Victoria. Senior Veterinarian, Dr Alan Bolton from the organisation says “it is great to see that Duke has gone on to find his new home at the Astor and it shows us that cats are adaptable to a range of different living situations and can fit in at offices and businesses”.
“While it will take Duke some time to settle in properly, we welcome anyone who wants to come in for a coffee and to say hello” says Zak. “Duke has yet to be here for a full film session or double feature, but we’ve got the feeling he’ll like Westerns”, he laughs.
The new Astor Theatre calendar will be available in late August.
The Lost Dogs’ Home can be contacted on (03) 9329 2755 or via www.facebook.com/LostDogsHome
