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Eleven rescued Opossum Joe's at Witter Wildlife Refuge.
Photo by Author
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Words For Wildlife
by State licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator, James Orr
POSSUM PARTY
It is actually quiet around here with only 8 wolves, 2 fawns, two raccoons and five opossums. This crew only needs twice a day feeding leaving me time for other things like earning a living, sleeping, eating etc.
The bobcat, fox, beaver, and coyote have all been released to the wild. The birds are with other migratory bird rehabilitators, and the wolf cubs are all off to their new homes.
I thought I might finally get a little sleep, maybe even have time to enjoy my wedding this week. This was before Garland Jones called me Saturday afternoon.
He reported seeing a dead opossum at the side of the road with babies clinging to the carcass. When he explained that they had been there several days I figured it was probably too late to do any good and even hesitated taking the trouble to retrieve them. I was supposed to be trying on my new wedding clothes and the thought of gathering up maggot infested possum babies from a two day old road kill somehow did not fit the plan.
My neighbor and volunteer (drafted) assistant, Steven Young took that load off me anxiously offering (reluctantly giving in) to go pick them up. “Do I need anything special to take with me?” he asked. “Rubber gloves” I replied....long pause on the phone as the reality of what I was asking him to do sank in, “Ok”
When he showed up about an hour later with 11 dehydrated baby possums “Joey's” it was obvious my plans for the rest of the day would have to be modified.
Without getting too graphic lets just say the did not smell very good. They were also cold, covered with worms, dehydrated, and weak. This presented multiple dilemmas because you cannot feed or offer drink to a cold animal, it could kill it. You also do not want to put the smelly little guys in an incubator before you clean off the insect invaders, and you really do not want to bathe an already cold baby.
About this time my Fiancé showed up to see if I was ready to leave for Eureka Springs for the pre-wedding activities with my new in-laws.
Long story short, Cyndi loves animals as much as I. Most people have parties the day before their marriage, we provided hours of intensive care to 11 baby opossums. Did I tell you she was special?
The babies are not out of the woods but all are stabilized, clean and have be given fluid injections. Most of them have even started taking formula.
Despite the fact my animal population doubled with one rescue and the feeding schedule went from twice a days to eight a day, I think I can still make my wedding if I keep this article short.
DONATIONS NEEDED If you would like to help any donation amount it is greatly appreciated. Donations should be made out to Witter Wildlife Refuge and can be sent to P.O. Box 1118, Huntsville AR 72740.
See web page under "HOW YOU CAN HELP" for specific ways you can help us help wildlife
