It’s National Squirrel Appreciation Day! Yes, that's a thing! In honor of our beloved venue mascot, we spent a heart-warming day with Little Thumbelina. 

Thumbelina is an Eastern Grey Squirrel rescued back in March of 2016 after her nest was destroyed amid construction in the Bronx. Several attempts to reunite the tiny baby with her mother would later fail. Today, she's happy, loving, playful, and unique in every little way.

Did you know there are 224 squirrels carved into the theater? See how many you can find the next time you visit. Why squirrels? No one knows the real answer, but there are many theories! We like to think that Thomas Lamb — the celebrated architect who designed and built the theater in 1926 — put the little critters here for your entertainment. But perhaps more importantly, they were put there to remind us of how people and nature must get along. 

We've done some pretty cool things to celebrate National Squirrel Appreciation Day, but hosting ​Little Thumbelina is paws down one of the best. 

Thumbelina stopped by to take a tour of the venue and especially loved the vibe of Garcia's.

Thumbelina was very excited to display some of her favorite records.

A friend of a squirrel is a friend of mine...

Did you know that a squirrel’s front teeth never stop growing? Keep on growing, Thumbelina!

You'd better not mess with Major Tom and Thumbelina!

There's no such thing as too many squirrels!

Next time you visit The Capitol Theatre, see how many squirrels you can find. If you see some of our favorite furry critters today, make sure you let them know you care!

Photos by Geoffrey Tischman