Opossums
Meet Clair, Milo & Stella the Opossums
Common Name: Virginia Opossum
Scientific Name: Didelphis virginiana
A group of them is called: A passel
We just call them: "Clair", "Milo" and "Stella"
Size: 34 – 95 cm (length)
Weight: .3 – 6.4 kg
Lifespan: ~ 2 years (wild), 4 years (captivity)
Diet: Omnivore
CLAIR, MILO & STELLA'S STORY
Clair, Milo and Stella all came to us from different circumstances. Clair's story is very special though. Clair's mom was hit by a car when she was still in her pouch, but luckily she and her siblings survived. When it was time for Clair to open up her eyes, her carers noticed something was different about him - he didn't have any! Clair was born without eyes and therefore needs human intervention to survive. Clair, Milo and Stella are part of the Animal Ambassadors team, visiting schools, camps and children to help teach kids about the importance of conservation!
Did You Know?
- The opossum has a prehensile tail which acts like a fifth appendage (sort of like a hand!). This amazing tail can wrap itself around trees to assist with climbing or be used to gather sticks and grass to build their homes!
- Opossums are eight times less likely to carry the rabies virus, compared to wild dogs. This is due to their low core body temperature - the virus can not survive!
- Mom’s can give birth to up to 20 babies in one litter. After birth, these marsupial babies (which are only the size of a jelly bean!) go immediately to the pouch and will spend the next couple of weeks going from the pouch to sometimes riding on her back.
