Australian Reptile Park Keepers Become Mom for a Possum Joey

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: October 8, 2020 8:50 pm

Dobby the brushtail possum is currently in care

Photo Credit: The Australian Reptile Park

Staff at the Australian Reptile Park have saved the life of a brushtail possum after his mom was hit by a car. A passer by stopped when they saw the joeys mom had been hit and checked her pouch where the joey was being carried.

The joey needed round the clock care after the birth to ensure it would survive. He arrived in good health but the first few days are always important in the survival of an orphaned animal.

Dobby the brushtail possum is currently in care

Photo Credit: The Australian Reptile Park

Australian Reptile Park Director Liz Gabriel said “It’s always a challenge to care for little orphans like Dobby. It’s hard to know if they’ve been exposed to disease, are malnourished or even injured in the accident. But he’s pulled through like a true champion.”

His carers have chosen the name Dobby for the little boy. He is currently receiving bottle feeds of milk from keepers every two hours. He has settled in well and is often seen cuddling with his favorite toy, a plush platypus. He is kept in a replica pouch on heat to ensure he is as comfortable as possible.

Dobby the brushtail possum is currently in care

Photo Credit: The Australian Reptile Park

— AD —

Ahead of the school holidays staff at the Australian wildlife park are urging motortists to slow down and watch out for wildlife while driving. Its also important with Australian animals to check their pouch as joeys can survive crashes which their parents haven’t.

“Cars are one of the biggest threats to Aussie wildlife, this will be especially prevalent during school holidays when more people are on the roads than usual. We urge people to slow down in wildlife areas as it is animals like Dobby the public will be protecting. So many animals are killed by vehicles each year and if we all took a little more care, we can decrease the number dramatically! And if safe, please check pouches if you see an animal on the side of the road. Joeys can survive for up to 48 hours after the mother has died. If you find a joey, contact your closest animal rescue organisation like W.I.R.E.S,” added Gabriel.

Dobby will receive care from keepers at the Australian Reptile Park until he is strong enough to return to the wild.

Dobby the brushtail possum is currently in care

Photo Credit: The Australian Reptile Park

Brushtail possum are a common sight in Australia where they have adapted to live in human environments such as cities. In the wild their diet includes leaves, blossoms and fruits, but in suburbia they will eat almost anything.

Learn more about the Australian Reptile Park on their website – Australian Reptile Park