Georgia Aquarium staff respond to opossum found on parking deck

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Credit: The Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium veterinary and animal care team members came to the rescue of a stranded opossum on their parking deck.

The animal was in a dangerous situation, just inches from slipping off a beam, exposed to the cold elements with no safe place to retreat. Thankfully, the animal-loving teams were able to come to the joyous rescue of this cold opossum. With the skillful aid of the Aquarium’s engineering team, they were able to bring Tonya Clauss, director of animal health, to the fourth level by way of a lift.  Clauss was able to safely reach the animal and retrieve it using protective gloves and a net. Additional team members on the ground had nets ready as a precaution. Once back to the ground, Clauss carefully placed the opossum in an animal carrier, complete with a blanket to help keep it warm.

The Georgia Aquarium veterinary and animal care teams are experienced with working with wildlife, but are not responsible for directly responding to such cases. These teams consist of passionate individuals who show no bias when it comes to caring for animals.

“It was an animal in distress. We care for all animals, it’s what we do,” said Clauss.  

Nutritionist, Lisa Hoopes, provided appropriate food and water until the opossum could be transferred to Atlanta Wild Animal Rescue Effort (AWARE) for further evaluation. Reports from the dedicated staff at AWARE indicate that the opossum was carefully examined and appears to be in good condition.