Golden Brushtail Update
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
You might remember the unusual rescue of a golden brushtail possum a few months ago. Lynda, one of our wildlife volunteers was called to an unusual rescue of a frightened juvenile Golden brushtail possum.
It was found in deep undergrowth with no mother in sight. The orphaned joey had climbed up a tree and a very enthusiastic member of the public reported him to WIRES.
Lynda says, “When we found him he was just 380 grams, dehydrated and very nervous. It is wonderful that Ingrid climbed up the tree to get him; he’s a very lucky little possum. He had been away from mum for 24 to 48 hours and needed urgent care. He had a tear in his left ear and a bite mark on the underside of his tail indicating another animal had attacked him.”
Lynda buddied the young golden brushtail up with a small grey brushtail possum called in care after his mother had been killed by a car. “Possum joeys tend to do better in care when they have a buddy of the same species to put them at ease. Both joeys having lost their mums are seeking reassurance in each other and it’s working a treat,” Lynda said.
Recent Posts
What it takes to rehabilitate for the wild
Being prepared is critical to reduce the wildlife impacts of a H5N1 outbreak in Australia
WIRES Continuing RRANA’s Wildlife Rescue Legacy in Far West NSW
A 24/7 Emergency Rescue Service dedicated to wildlife - thanks to you.
WIRES Contributes Significant Funds to Great Eastern Ranges Project
WIRES Assists Gumbaynggirr Country Weave Roosts For Threatened Bat Species
WIRES grant provides life-changing support for marine conservation
18 months on - the fight to protect wombats from Mange grows