Awesome opossum! Orphaned baby finds new home at zoo

Tiny marsupial will help guests learn more about an often misunderstood species

A tiny opossum found wandering earlier this month has made his way to a new home at the Oregon Zoo. The 9.5-ounce joey, estimated to be about three months old, was found behind an apartment building in Lebanon, Ore., and cared for by the Chintimini Wildlife Center, who worked with state wildlife officials to bring him to the zoo. 

“This little opossum had a rough start in life — he wouldn’t have survived long on his own,” said Eliza Lee, who oversees the zoo’s ambassador animal area. “He’s settling in nicely and already showing us his curious personality.” 

Named Nigel by care staff, the pint-sized marsupial is living behind the scenes in the zoo’s ambassador animal area. While he’s getting used to his surroundings for now, Lee hopes he’ll venture out soon to meet visitors as a representative of his species — one that’s often misunderstood.

“People are sometimes scared of opossums but they’re lovable in their own way,” Lee said. "We hope Nigel will help people connect to this unique species and learn more about what makes opossums so awesome.” 

Opossums — the only marsupials found in North America — are considered invasive in the Pacific Northwest. According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Virginia opossum was first introduced in Oregon between 1910 and 1921. Populations were established in northwestern Oregon apparently from releases of animals brought to the state as pets or novelties.