The Buzz · Victoria Morning Wire

The Empress just lost Roger the marmot. Can you believe it?

They lost Roger the marmot! Can you believe it?

Good morning from the island — we're still here, the orcas were spotted at Active Pass, and honestly, life is fine. Except, perhaps, for the Empress Hotel. It seems Roger, their beloved resident marmot, has gone missing. This isn't just any marmot, mind you. Roger is *the* marmot, a fixture in the Inner Harbour's ecosystem, often seen sunning himself near the hotel's manicured gardens. The Empress, a grand dame of Victoria, known for its high tea and impeccable service, is now apparently in the market for a rodent. It's the kind of peculiar local news that makes you wonder if the mainland truly understands our priorities here.

Well, here's the thing. While most luxury hotels might be concerned about, say, a missing diamond or a guest's misplaced poodle, Victoria’s Empress Hotel is genuinely worried about a marmot. It’s a very particular kind of charm, isn't it? Roger is part of the furniture, so to speak, of the James Bay neighbourhood's wilder side. You see him, you know the world is still turning, even if a little slower than elsewhere. The rumour is he’s just gone to find a new mate, which is, I suppose, a perfectly reasonable explanation for a marmot's wanderlust.

### The Curious Case of Roger

* **Who is Roger?** He's the long-standing, unofficial mascot of the Fairmont Empress Hotel, often spotted around the grounds. * **What happened?** He appears to have vanished, leading to a gentle local uproar. * **Why does it matter?** Beyond the whimsy, it highlights Victoria's unique relationship with its urban wildlife. The deer in Beacon Hill Park don't care about your schedule, and neither does Roger.

It speaks to the very soul of Victoria, doesn't it? This isn't just a hotel with a furry friend; it's a testament to how we weave nature into the fabric of our city life, even in the most formal of settings. We love our quirks, and Roger is definitely one of them. Let's hope he's just off on a grand adventure and will return to his stately abode soon.

The MiTL morning crew discusses all the local happenings — get your daily dose at mornings.live.

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