Luna | Opossum
Year Joined Wanakia
2022
Luna’s Story
Luna was the 23rd orphaned opossum to come to Wanakia in spring 2022. She most likely fell out of her mother’s pouch as it became overcrowded with her developing siblings. When we observed that Luna was not growing as quickly as her new litter mates, we separated her so she had full access to the food dish. At this time, it became apparent that her hips were preventing full mobility. Because she struggles to walk, she would not survive on her own in the wild, so she now resides at the center.
Did You Know?
Opossum have a very effective defense mechanism against predators that do not eat carrion (dead things). They will play dead or “play possum” by dropping their heart rate, baring their teeth and releasing a foul smelling liquid from their rear end to mimic illness. This fools many animals!