Species: Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana)
Intake Date: September 2017
Delphine, our resident Virginia Opossum was found in Urbana, IL. She presented to the Wildlife Medical Clinic in September 2017 after a well-intentioned member of the public attempted to rehabilitate her. Unfortunately, she ended up getting too habituated to humans to be releasable. Due to her calm demeanor and overall good health, she was a good candidate to become a Wildlife Ambassador. During her transition, her care team noted a hernia and uneven gait. After further testing, Delphine underwent an FHO to allow pain-free mobility of a previously damaged right hip. This, along with scaring along that same side, lead us to conclude she was likely hit by a car before being found. Her story illustrates how important it is for injured wildlife to be brought to licensed rehabilitators. She makes a wonderful addition to the resident ambassador team as the second mammal in the history of the program. Her name is derived from the Latin name. Sadly, Delphine passed away in January of 2021. She was loved by many and is greatly missed in our hearts.
Fun Facts
Virginia opossums are the only marsupial to live north of Mexico. Their tails are adapted for grasping and wrapping around things to hang for short periods of time; one untrue myth is that they sleep hanging from their tails. Females have enough teats to support thirteen offspring, and commonly have seven to eight joeys at a time. The joeys stay in their mother’s pouch continuously for 55-60 days and spend another four to six weeks on their mother’s back before they are ready to be off on their own. Female opossums can have up to three litters a year.