The final opossum release
The time has come to say goodbye babies, to the final release of the year. I have found this to be the hardest part of rehabbing. Besides the infrequent but sad losses, release is painful. It is when it’s time for them to go on their journey alone. I have raised some since they were still being tube fed. Others came in injured and of all ages. I nursed them back to health. All of them are precious to me and I want them to live the life they were put here to live.
I must release them to complete their purpose on the planet.
But still I wonder, What if they can’t find enough to eat, or a safe place to sleep? What if they don’t make any new friends? Maybe they just weren’t ready?
I make myself feel better by doing this: I always allow them the opportunity- once- to change their mind and climb back in the carrier. They know if they’re ready. If not, they come back home until the next release group. Everyone is allowed that one…or two…grace period.
I had one opossum last year that was so opposed to leaving, he was well over three pounds by the time I had to push his little butt out into the world.
In general, most take one sniff of clean dirt and plants and fascinating sounds and scurry off.
These two lucky girls got hired as educational ambassadors at
Bear Hollow Zoo, here in Athens.
Their names are Tater and Tot! Look for them when you visit and say hi.
