Opossum Litter Survives Heartbreak With A New ‘Mom,’ They Just Don't Know She Isn't Real
Guest Contributor
When staff at Newhouse Wildlife Rescue (NWR) received a call about an injured opossum last month, they expected a routine rescue. Tragically, the adult opossum had been fatally struck by a vehicle. But what rescuers discovered at the scene quickly turned a somber situation into one of hope. Clinging to their mother’s lifeless body was a litter of baby opossums, still alive and unwilling to let go. This touching moment marked the beginning of a remarkable journey for these orphaned joeys and the team determined to give them a second chance.
Wildlife rehabilitation often involves heartbreak, but also extraordinary resilience. In this case, it was clear that the babies, though helpless without their mother, had survived the accident. According to a Facebook post by NWR, the joeys were still physically attached to their mother when rescuers arrived. Staff gently removed them and placed them in a soft, blanket-lined pet carrier, taking every precaution to minimize their stress and discomfort.
Back at the NWR facility, the team conducted a thorough health assessment. To their relief, all six babies appeared to be in relatively good condition. The next challenge was to replicate the nurturing environment they had lost. For young opossums, maternal contact is essential for comfort and development. Without their mother, the joeys needed a new way to feel safe and supported as they grew.
That’s where a life-size plush opossum came in. The staff provided the babies with a stuffed animal designed to resemble their mother, complete with soft fur and a realistic shape. “It’s not mom, but it will do,” NWR wrote in a post that captured hearts online. The plush surrogate allowed the joeys to simulate the natural behaviors they would have exhibited in the wild—snuggling, climbing, and resting on their mother’s back.
The baby opossums responded immediately. Photos and videos shared by NWR show the tiny animals draped across the stuffed opossum, nestled into its fur as if it were the real thing. This clever solution not only offered emotional comfort but also contributed to their physical well-being by reducing stress and encouraging natural behaviors. I found this detail striking—it’s a simple yet deeply compassionate approach that highlights how thoughtful care can make all the difference in wildlife rehabilitation.
In addition to their plush companion, the joeys received round-the-clock care, including a nutrient-rich feeding regimen and time in a temperature-controlled incubator. This combination of physical and emotional support has played a critical role in their recovery. According to NWR, the babies are “doing very, very well,” though they are not yet ready for release. Their progress is closely monitored, and the team is optimistic about their future.
Stories like this highlight the importance of wildlife rescue organizations and their role in preserving native species. Opossums, often misunderstood and underappreciated, play a vital role in their ecosystems by controlling pests and cleaning up carrion. The survival of these six joeys not only honors their mother’s life but also contributes to the health of the environment they will one day return to.
The emotional resonance of this rescue lies in its simplicity: a group of tiny animals, orphaned and vulnerable, find comfort in a plush toy that mimics the warmth and safety of their mother. It’s a reminder of the deep connections that exist in the animal world, and of the human compassion that steps in when nature takes a harsh turn.
For those moved by the story of these miracle babies, there are ways to support organizations like Newhouse Wildlife Rescue. Donations help provide medical care, food, and shelter for countless animals in need. Each contribution plays a part in turning tragedy into survival, one joey at a time.
As the baby opossums continue to grow stronger each day, the NWR team looks forward to the moment when they can safely return them to the wild. Until then, the sight of six tiny creatures cuddling with their plush “mom” serves as a heartwarming testament to resilience, creativity, and the enduring bond between mother and child—even when that mother is made of fabric and stuffing.
