It’s been a long road to recovery, but after almost six months in the care of WIRES Mid South Coast, ‘Banshee’ the brushtail possum is preparing for life back in the wild.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Left orphaned after her mother was killed in a dog attack, Banshee had a rough start to life. After spending three days inside her dead mother’s pouch without food or warmth, the joey was rescued and taken into WIRES’ care.
WIRES Mid South Coast spokesperson, Sandy Collins, said there were early challenges in caring for the orphan.
“Banshee was named because she screamed the first couple of nights, calling for her mother, not understanding why she didn’t come and collect her,” Mrs Collins said.
“Initially the 220 gram joey did well, but after a week, the shock of a new environment, no mother and a new diet of possum milk, caused her body to react.
“She had a very upset tummy for a few weeks, which caused her to weigh less than 200 grams.”
However, after much persistence, Banshee bounced back to good health.
“(After) being nursed, fed multiple times a day and given sub cut fluids, Banshee survived and thrived,” she said.
“Now mid-March, Banshee weighs a healthy 1.3 kilograms, having eaten gum leaves and bottlebrush flowers (a particular favourite of hers), and is being soft released.”
The soft release will prepare Banshee for her eventual return to the bush.
WIRES mid south coast branch are looking for more members. If you are interested, visit the website here.
