On June 7, Wildlife Center staff made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize Oliver the Virginia Opossum due to several health complications. He was three years old.
Oliver first arrived at the Center as a young opossum on April 28, 2022, after he was attacked by an outdoor cat. While he was able to recover, his right eye was too damaged to be saved, and the veterinary team had to remove it. With only one eye, Oliver could not survive in the wild and was deemed non-releasable. That marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life — joining the Center's animal ambassador team.
In his three years as an ambassador, Oliver connected with more than 6,200 people. His story often surprised audiences — when they learned he had been attacked by a predator, they imagined a fox, bobcat, or coyote. Few expected to hear it was an outdoor cat. Oliver’s story opened eyes, inspiring many to help protect wildlife by keeping their cats indoors.
Most of all, Oliver helped inspire a love and appreciation for opossums. Every time he made his signature slow walk out of his crate during a program, it was met with quiet excitement and smiles. He helped students and families understand that opossums are gentle, fascinating creatures who play a vital role in our ecosystem, and that simple actions can help keep them safe.
At the time of his passing, Oliver was a geriatric opossum, having already exceeded the typical lifespan of his species. Earlier this year, the veterinary team discovered several cancerous masses, which were successfully removed. But in early June, Oliver’s health began to decline. A follow-up exam revealed kidney disease and the presence of a new mass. Given his age and overall condition, the team made the difficult but compassionate decision not to pursue aggressive treatment.
Oliver spent his final moments surrounded by the team who had cared for him deeply. Saying goodbye was hard—but it was time.
Goodbye, Oliver, and rest in peace. You were deeply loved, and you will be greatly missed.