Famed University of Essex campus cat Pebbles dies as students pay tribute

The bronze statue of Pebbles the cat at the University of Essex in Colchester (University of Essex)

Pebbles, the unofficial feline mascot of the University of Essex’s Colchester campus, has died at approximately 18 years old following a brief illness.
The black-and-white cat first arrived on campus in 2010 and kept returning, so his owner agreed he could stay.
Pebbles inspired official merchandise, a Campus Cat Day, a poetry competition, and a bronze statue unveiled in 2024.
He retired from campus life two years ago and moved in with Essex Students’ Union chief executive Craig Stephens.
Students, staff, and alumni have been invited to pay tribute by leaving flowers, messages, and photographs at his campus statue.