New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
“Their mother succumbed to her injuries last night. She was hit by a car this weekend and we tried everything we could to save her.
We extracted the babies from her pouch and are caring for them now. At least we can make sure these ten lives have a second chance. That’s what their mother would have wanted.
We are at max capacity, with 80 injured and orphaned wild animals in our care. One day we will have a wildlife clinic and be able to take more animals in need.
For now, we are full and there is no where else in my private home or property to put any more intakes. Our voicemail says we are full and so does the automatic response to our messages. Those calling and messaging don’t think it’s fair to the animals they have found in need.
We don’t think it’s fair either….
Please know, we are doing all we can to find a home for our wildlife clinic so we can help more animals. There continues to be many hurdles with finding land for it, but we won’t give up…. “-Newhouse Wildlife Rescue.
Earlier message:
Newhouse Wildlife Rescue photo.
Our mama opossum is very lethargic. After being hit by a car, she doesn’t have any energy to care for her babies. Most mammal infants rely on mom to stimulate them to use the bathroom. She will lick them to help them go. Without this stimulation, they are not able to urinate or dedicate. We are tending to the babies in her pouch by stimulating them for her. The babies look a little dehydrated this morning so we also administered some subcutaneous fluids to each of her 10 joeys.
Mama’s milk supply may have been affected by the trauma she recently experienced . Just like with people, stress can affect the amount of milk produced. We are hoping this will be a temporary thing. We will continue to stimulate the babies and check the color of their urine to help assess their hydration. If it becomes clear her milk supply is not returning, the babies will be removed from the pouch.
Mama opossums teats are not like regular nipples. They go far down the baby opossum’s throats. Very young opossums only have a tiny opening in their mouths to hold on to the teat. Their mouths are not fully open until they are older. For this reason – once babies are removed from her pouch, they can not be returned to it. They will not be able to latch again.
We currently have 81 injured and orphaned animals in our care and our team is working hard both day and night to make sure they all receive the care they need. ❤️”-Newhouse Wildlife Rescue.
