franm
10-13-2001, 01:30 PM
I was delighted to read about your adorable 'possums'.
As a zoo volunteer for 14 years, I have been taking opossums to schools and community centers, and they are, far and away, the most interesting species to present.
It would require multiple pages to present the fascinating details, but I must offer the one that has relevance to your narrative. Sadly, the Virginia Opossum has a life span of
only two years!
At the zoo, with the advantage of onsite veterinary care, we usually manage to give them an extra year, but by that time they have become terribly debilitated and can barely drag themselves around.
At some point, during their second year of life, they begin to show the most conspicuous sign of aging-- the eyes start to protrude and appear to be crossed.
They are so fascinating, beautiful and loveable. It's great that you have rescued Missy and Mister and given them a loving home.
FRAN
As a zoo volunteer for 14 years, I have been taking opossums to schools and community centers, and they are, far and away, the most interesting species to present.
It would require multiple pages to present the fascinating details, but I must offer the one that has relevance to your narrative. Sadly, the Virginia Opossum has a life span of
only two years!
At the zoo, with the advantage of onsite veterinary care, we usually manage to give them an extra year, but by that time they have become terribly debilitated and can barely drag themselves around.
At some point, during their second year of life, they begin to show the most conspicuous sign of aging-- the eyes start to protrude and appear to be crossed.
They are so fascinating, beautiful and loveable. It's great that you have rescued Missy and Mister and given them a loving home.
FRAN