The Fairmont Empress & the hotel marmot
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Living in Victoria, British Columbia's most sought after and only harbour front rock garden "suite", Roger the yellow bellied marmot has been living the high life and residing here since 2008.
Believed to have originated from Alberta, legend says the marmot hitched a ride on a bus or automobile to Victoria. Roger takes his name from former hotel general manager, Roger Soane. Roger the marmot assumes a very public lifestyle in being the star attraction for many guests who come to the hotel.
Marmots are native to Vancouver Island; however the yellow bellied species are not native to the area. Roger hibernates from late summer to early spring. He enjoys a steady diet of lush Fairmont Empress foliage and seems to enjoy performing stand up routines, like in the photo, for guests.
Various organizations have attempted to trap and return Roger to his native habitat; however he has avoided capture on at least four known occasions.
On May 26, 2011, The Fairmont Empress will become Fairmont's 13th hotel to have a honeybee program. The Queen Bee and 400,000 honeybees will take up residence on the lush gardens. Roger was notified today and seems very chipper to be welcoming 400,001 neighbours.
It seems Roger enjoys staying at Fairmont hotels and it is likely he is a Fairmont President's Club Platinum member, based on his numerous stays at The Fairmont Empress. AHEM....Roger, you may wish to take advantage of your Fairmont President's Club privileges and enjoy complimentary use of our adidas work out gear while staying with us…