non-releasable Virginia Opossum needs placement

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Contact Information
Contact Yaritza Acosta
Phone: 704 293 6583
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Country: United States

Species: Virginia Opossum

Is rehabilitation complete?: yes

This animal has potential as a : off-site education animal

This animal is: wild reared

Age: Juvenile

Reason for entering rehabilitation.:

The male opossum came in at 230g with blindness due to underdeveloped eyes.

Days in care: 153

Issues developed while undergoing rehabilitation.:

Developed a skin issue in the beginning but is all healed now.

Body condition score (5 point scale as defined on https://nagonline.net/3877/body-condition-scoring/): 4

Can the animal express species-typical behaviors (e.g. eat appropriate whole foods, climb, perch, groom, dig, fly, swim, ambulate normally for species)?:

The opossum can express typical behaviors, such as ambulate, climb, groom, and eat normally.

Can the animal be handled without negative welfare affects?: yes

This is how the animal currently reacts when a frequent caregiver nears it (e.g. does it modify behavior, show signs of fear, agonism, habituation):

He is startled at first, but then he is fine.

This is how the animal currently reacts when a stranger nears it (e.g. does it modify behavior, show signs of fear, agonism, habituation):

He is startled at first and may hiss, but then he is fine if given a snack.

This animal is currently house : alone

Will the animal need continuous medical care (e.g. medication)?: no

Physical health welfare assessment: good life

Mental/emotional health welfare assessment: good life

More Information

Young(approx. 7-8 months old), male, Blind, Virginia Opossum in need of placement. He is around 1700g in weight now. Food motivated. Could be a good off-site ambassador with continued handling and training. Currently in Miami, Fl.

For more info, please contact: Yaritza at yaritza@pelicanharbor.org

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