On November 15, Wildlife Center staff made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize Cosmos the Virginia Opossum due to a sudden onset of serious health complications. He was estimated to be two and a half years old.
Cosmos first arrived at the Wildlife Center on October 16, 2024, after being transferred from another wildlife hospital. Although his full history is unknown, he was reportedly found as a young opossum and kept illegally as a pet. As a result, he became habituated to humans and could not be released back to the wild. Additionally, as a result of an improper diet when he was kept as a pet, Cosmos had mild metabolic bone disease, meaning his bones and joints were weaker than the average opossum's.
Although Cosmos could not return to the wild, his gentle nature and comfort around people made him an ideal candidate to serve as an ambassador for his species. He officially joined the Center's animal ambassador team in January 2025. Shortly afterward, a naming fundraiser was held, and the winning name—Cosmos—was selected from more than 10,000 votes. The name is a nod to the night sky and to opossums’ nocturnal habits.
In less than a year as an ambassador, Cosmos reached nearly 4,000 people across 61 programs. From classrooms and libraries to community festivals and public events, he captivated audiences of all ages with his calm presence and natural curiosity, helping people recognize opossums as vital, misunderstood, and often overlooked members of our shared ecosystem. Cosmos encouraged people to view wildlife with greater empathy, keep wild animals in their natural habitats, and reconsider long-held misconceptions.
While Center staff initially believed Cosmos had been born in the spring of 2024, recent veterinary evaluations suggested he was likely a year older, making him a geriatric opossum at the time of his passing. On November 13, Cosmos became noticeably less active and showed a decreased appetite; the following day, he developed respiratory issues. Radiographs revealed fluid within his lungs, likely associated with heart disease. Despite every effort by the Center's veterinary staff to support his recovery and keep him comfortable, Cosmos's condition continued to decline, and the team made the difficult but compassionate decision to humanely euthanize him.
Cosmos spent his final moments surrounded by the team who cared for him deeply. While staff are deeply saddened that Cosmos's time at the Center felt far too short, there is comfort in knowing that during that time, he received unwavering care and love — and he soaked up every last bit of it.
Goodbye, Cosmos, and rest in peace. You were deeply loved, and you will be greatly missed.