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Tag: possum

Wildlife

The possum that hugs

Long bear-hugs, rotating sentinels and mothers forming bridges are just some of the unique behaviours of Australia’s elusive rock ringtail possum.

News

Gallery: Rescued possums making strong recovery

An orphaned brushtail possum is making a quick recovery at Taronga Wildlife Hospital, with the help of round-the-clock care and a fluffy kangaroo. The joey, nicknamed ‘Bettina’, was discovered alone and dehydrated in Mosman, Sydney, in September. She was given emergency first aid, then sent to Taronga Wildlife Hospital to be hand-raised by a vet nurse. During her rehabilitation, Bettina became attached to a kangaroo soft toy, which nurses say provides an object of comfort in the absence of a mother. A second orphaned possum is making her recovery after three weeks at the hospital. The five-month old ringtail was found in a car park at Balmoral, Sydney. Since her rescue, she has grown substantially, and learned to lap milk from a dish. Both possums will remain in care until they are fit to begin their soft release, a step towards full release into the wild.