In a small room on a ship bound for Antarctica, a board with photos of pets is a poignant reminder of home.
The RRS Sir David Attenborough, operated by the Cambridge-based British Antarctic Survey, will sail to Signy, allowing the team to close the research station after the winter season.
Katie Grant, an IT specialist and cat lover, kept the photo in her office on board the ship.
It was a “morale booster” and “it was like having a pet traveling with you,” she said.
Miss Grant's cat, Vinka, is one of the many pets pictured in the pet corner of the ship's IT office.
Nothing is forbidden. In addition to cats, dogs, and turtles, there's also a fancy racing bike known as “Blue.” One of the scientists on board considers this bike a pet.
Ms Grant also added a photo of social media 'star' Nala, known as the Stevenage Station Cat.
The 32-year-old from north Hertfordshire was passing through a station when she came across a friendly ginger cat.
She pasted a picture of the cat on the wall “so that Nala can bring joy to all who visit Sir David Attenborough”.
Miss Grant, who works in the IT team, described her role as “the best job in the world. No other IT job gives you this kind of experience.”
“We provide IT support not only to the crew on board, but also to British Antarctic Survey staff who attend the many stations we visit,” she explained.
“We also provide IT support at various sites in Antarctica. This ranges from repairing printers to installing webcams on bases.”
In the “pet corner,” “everyone posted pictures of their pets,” she said.
“This really boosts morale in the office and helps when I'm not at home. It's like having a pet traveling with you. Vinka is my cat and I miss her so much.”
Nala's owner Natasha Ambler said her pet's appearance on the ship was “absolutely amazing”.
The boat left the UK in October and spent the season being used for scientific research and visiting various stations as part of its logistics role.
It is scheduled to take place in Signy from March 28 to April 1, before heading to the Falkland Islands.
Signy Island is one of the South Orkney Islands, more than 800 miles (1,300 km) from the Falkland Islands.
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