Orphaned Possum receives helping hand from zoo keepers

By MiNDFOOD

Orphaned Possum receives helping hand from zoo keepers
Orphaned possum finds comfort in the smallest things and acts as a reminder to stay vigilant this spring.

This furry little creature was found abandoned and dehydrated in the Sydney suburb of Mosman, thankfully not too far from Taronga Zoo.

Once discovered, the possum, nicknamed Bettina, was taken under the wing of Taronga carer Felicity, with the hope of nursing her back to full health.

“She was only 77 grams when she first arrived and she’s now 180 grams. We’re starting to introduce her to solid foods like carrot and sweet potato, as well as natural browse and native flowers. She particularly loves bottlebrush and the soft tips of eucalyptus,” said Felicity.

According to her carer, Bettina is recovering well, especially after becoming quite close with her plush toy – a baby kangaroo.

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“At this age she would naturally still be with her mother, so the soft toy gives her something to snuggle for comfort. It’s not as fluffy and woolly as an adult Brushtail Possum, but she clings to it using her claws and teeth as she would do with mum in the wild,” said Felicity.

Bettina will remain in the care of Felicity and Taronga staff until she is healthy enough to be released back into the wild.

The staff at Taronga want the plight of Bettina, and other wildlife they rescue, to be a reminder to watch out for wildlife this spring, as native animals often fall victim to dog attacks or vehicle accidents.

 

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