National Zoo Welcomes One-Eyed Opossum Named Basil As Resident And Ambassador
After surviving a predator attack, Basil, a Virginia opossum, found sanctuary in the zoo due to compromised eyesight. Despite the challenges, he adapts well to zoo life, showcasing curiosity and enjoying enrichment activities. He not only leads a comfortable life but also serves as an educational ambassador, raising awareness about local wildlife protection. Now, what are you waiting for? Scroll down to check out the story.
Basil, The Ambassador For Virginia Opossum
Source: smithsonianzoo
Basil, the intrepid Virginia opossum, embarked on an extraordinary journey that led him to become a distinguished resident of the National Zoo.
Having endured a harrowing predator attack resulting in the loss of one eye, Basil found refuge and care at the hands of City Wildlife in Washington, DC. Despite the dedicated rehabilitation efforts, Basil's compromised eyesight rendered him unfit for release back into the wild.
Consequently, the National Zoo welcomed him as an ambassador for his species, granting him a home in the Small Mammal House.
He Is Mostly Adjusting Well To Life In The Zoo
Source: Google
In his new environment, Basil has exhibited remarkable resilience and adaptability. The zookeepers note his curiosity, mellow demeanor, and penchant for finding solace in fleece blankets and snug spots within logs.
“Basil especially loves his fleece blankets and finding a spot in his logs to get curled up—if you don’t see him right away, that’s the first place to look,” the zoo wrote about him in the press release.
While adjusting well to his nocturnal lifestyle, Basil has embarked on a journey of enrichment, an unfamiliar aspect of zoo life for him.
Although initially hesitant, Basil is gradually overcoming his reservations and engaging with items in his enclosure.Although he is mostly adjusting well, there are still some aspects of living in a zoo that Basil is working on becoming comfortable with. Basil's transition also involves acclimating to zookeeper interactions, including the unique experience of being fed with tongs.
"Forage Bins," Favorite Feature Of Basil’s Exhibit
Despite being in a sheltered environment, the zoo still encourages Basil to lean into the instincts that he would need in the wild. Within the sheltered environment, Basil finds delight in "forage bins," a favorite feature of his exhibit.
These bins are meticulously designed to recreate the foraging behaviors that opossums employ in the wild. Basil engages his keen sense of smell and nimble feet to dig and search for food within these bins, providing a stimulating and enriching experience.
As he settles into his new home, the zoo plans to elevate the challenge by hanging the foraging bins higher, encouraging Basil to climb and forage at greater heights.
Awareness
Source: Google
Being designated as Basil's permanent home, the zoo envisions a life of comfort and educational significance for him. The hope is that Basil will not only lead a comfortable life but also serve as an educational ambassador, enlightening zoo visitors about the fascinating world of opossums.
"It’s exciting to have a species that people may see in their own backyard. It’s crucial for our visitors to understand why it’s so important to protect our local wildlife just as much as the wildlife around the planet,” the zoo emphasized.
While the Virginia opossum may not currently be classified as endangered, the zoo underscores the significance of acknowledging the vulnerability of all species at different points in time.
This proactive awareness, encompassing both endangered and non-endangered species, is crucial for the sustained protection of wild populations and the promotion of coexistence with the diverse wildlife that shares our planet.
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