Meet the Western Ringtail Possums

The correct name for the Western Ringtail Possum is Pseudocheirus occidentalis.

This unique marsupial is native to the southwestern part of Australia and is known for its distinctive prehensile tail, which it uses to grasp branches as it moves through the forest canopy. Western Ringtail Possums are nocturnal, spending their nights foraging for leaves, flowers, and fruits, and their days resting in nests made of leaves and bark. Sadly, they are listed as critically endangered due to habitat loss, predation by introduced species, and other environmental pressures. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect and preserve this charming and essential species.

We have had the pleasure of caring for a number of these beautiful furry creatures.

Pax

Pax (94 grams) arrived with his very sick mother. We suspect she was suffering from secondary poising, which means they have eaten something that has died from eating rat poison. Pax’s eyes pleaded with us “please save my Mummy” Sadly despite following all instructions from a very experienced possum carer Pax’s Mummy dies within half an hour of arrivng, so Pax became out very first Ring Tail Possum in care. He was such a joy, inquisitive, loving, and a reminder of the precious lives we share this world with. Each day with him was a new adventure, learning to recognise his unique behaviors, his favorite foods, and the little quirks that made him so endearing. Pax was in the days before Amaris and was released among the peppermint trees where I lived at the time. Even 2 years later we would see him scurrying along the roof into his favourite New Zealand Christmas Tree

Perri

Perri came into my life after being run over by a cyclist. She was paralysed and we hoped that it was some minor trauma to her spine. After a vet assessment it was suggested we give her time and see how she developed. She wasn’t in any pain, eating and drinking beautifully.  she was bright, happy and alert. Nursing a possum with an injured spine is a journey filled with hope, dedication, and profound heartache. Each day was a battle to provide comfort and care, watching for any signs of improvement. Despite all our efforts, came the realisation that she wasn’t recovering. The decision to put her to sleep was one of the hardest, knowing it was the most compassionate choice to end her suffering. The grief was overwhelming, as we cried the loss of a gentle soul who fought bravely. RIP precious girl. Your life mattered so much. (February 2018)

Perry

A teeny 48 gram Western Ringtail Possum. The feeling when they die because they are too little to survive without their mum is utterly heartbreaking. It's a sense of helplessness and sorrow, knowing that despite all our efforts, their tiny lives couldn't be saved. The loss is deeply felt, as these vulnerable creatures deserved a chance to grow and thrive. It's a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of compassion and care for all living beings. (June 2019).

Peece was another victim of a hit and run. A kind gentleman brought him in and at first glance, it seemed okay, but we can never assume that a big motor vehicle versus a little helpless fur baby will end well. The possum was taken to the vet, where it was discovered that he had internal injuries. Sadly, he was put to sleep. This heartbreaking incident reminds us of the importance of always checking and reporting injured wildlife. Every life matters, and showing compassion can make all the difference. (July 2019)

Peece

Paige and Turnor

A mummy ringtail possum, bravely crossing in search of food or shelter, was struck by a car. The driver, indifferent to the life they had just taken, didn’t stop. To them, it was just a possum. But to us, it was a precious life lost.

A compassionate mum, on her way to take her kids to school, noticed the lifeless possum on the road. She knew the sight might upset the children, so she carefully moved the body off to the side. It was then that she made a heartbreaking discovery—two tiny pinkie possums clinging to their deceased mother, too small and vulnerable to survive without her.

With a heavy heart, she brought the babies to me, hoping for a miracle. Unfortunately, these little ones were just too tiny to make it without their mum.

We must respect our wildlife, even in their passing. To the hit-and-run driver, we understand accidents happen. But not calling it in is an act of animal cruelty and abuse. It’s an act of indifference that speaks volumes about a lack of compassion. Shame on you for not caring enough to do the right thing.

Let’s learn from this tragedy and vow to show more care and respect for the precious lives we share this world with. Every creature, no matter how small, deserves our kindness and compassion. If you witness an injured or deceased animal on the road, please report it. Together, we can make a difference. (July 2019)

We buried Mumma together with her babies, giving them the respect and dignity they deserved in death.

Cassie

In the hustle and bustle in the City of Albany, a dehydrated ringtail possum was found on the roof of a business premises. It’s heartbreaking to see these precious babies in such precarious situations, often thrown out, displaced, lost, or struggling with a lack of food. This brave possum's story, however, is one of hope and success.

When we took her into care, it was clear she needed immediate attention. We rehydrated her and treated her burnt feet, ensuring she received the love and care she desperately needed. Over the next month, she slowly regained her strength and health.

Seeing her transformation was incredibly rewarding. With careful monitoring and the right conditions, she was finally ready to be released back into the wild. The joy of seeing her leap into freedom, healthy and strong, was a testament to the power of compassion and proper rehabilitation.

The best part of this story came later when she was spotted with a baby on board. Knowing that she not only survived but thrived and brought new life into the world is a triumph for all of us. It shows that when done correctly, relocation and rehabilitation can lead to incredible success stories.

This little ringtail possum's journey reminds us of the importance of giving wildlife a second chance. Let’s continue to support and protect these precious creatures, ensuring they have a future in our ever-changing world. (Oct 2018)

Parys

Parys arrived into care just as I was moving to what is now Amaris. She was ready for her next stage, though her final release would be elsewhere as I wasn’t properly set up yet. Her wide, curious eyes and delicate, velvety paws tugged at my heartstrings, and her inquisitive nature brought such a sense of joy that only a wild, yet gentle being can. I cried the day I handed her over to her forever home, but happy tears. She thrived there, has been released and I’m sure the Mumma of lots of babies now.

Peta

Peta arrived as a friend for Parys. Sadly this little girl had suffered cruelty at the hand of humans. Someone had stripped all the fur of her tummy and chest and then thrown her into a rubbish bin. I was gutted that I couldn’t save her. Loosing Peta was a heart-wrenching experience that left a profound sense of loss, helplessness and emptiness.

Hindsight - I was operating under the licence of another group. This possum should NEVER have been allowed to go into rehabilitation. Trying to save her life at all costs, especially for this severely injured precious girl, is not only misguided but was also inhumane. Wildlife rehabilitation should prioritise the well-being and quality of life for the animals, rather than prolonging their suffering for the sake of survival and carers ego’s.. This critically injured possum endured immense pain, stress, during her rehabilitation process, with little hope of a successful recovery. It's essential to recognise that humane euthanasia, although heart-wrenching, can sometimes be the most compassionate and ethical choice to prevent prolonged suffering. By making difficult but necessary decisions, we honor the dignity and natural existence of these animals, ensuring that our actions align with true compassion and respect for wildlife. The instructions for rehabilitation I was given was be cruel and wrong, leading to unnecessary pain and distress for Peta. Never again would I allow this to happen. (Oct 2019)

Pippa

Pippa came to Amaris as a buddy for Peppe. Ringtail possums, like all wildlife, thrive best in their natural habitat, where they can exercise their instincts and live as nature intended, We came to understand that a healthy ringtail possum deserves the chance to explore, forage, and interact with its environment. By keeping it in captivity, we risk depriving it of the freedom and opportunities that are vital for its well-being. Furthermore, the confined environment can lead to stress, boredom, and a decline in physical and mental health.. Pippa was taken to a possum sanctuary and subsequently released. She did keep Peppe company for a few months as she grew to a healthy weight suitable for release. (May 2020)

Chippy

Caring for a possum fed an inappropriate diet of people food was a tragic experience. Despite our best efforts, the poor possum succumbed to kidney failure, a direct result of the improper nutrition. This heart-wrenching loss underscores the vital importance of entrusting wildlife to experienced carers who understand their specific dietary and care needs. A critically endangered Western Ringtail Possum’s life was wasted, a reminder of the profound impact human actions can have on these delicate creatures. Proper knowledge and expertise are essential to ensure their survival and well-being. Let's all do our part to protect and preserve these precious lives (April 2021)

Muffy

Amaris was getting quite the reputation as a suitable release site for our Western Ringtail Possums.  We had the perfect environment and unlike Albany that have many possums living in suburbia, there was 100’s of acres to possums to find their home.  They are very territorial and don’t like newcomers.  Muffy came from a carer in the South West. Providing a safe, enriched environment is crucial for the well-being of new possums coming into care.. I create nests made of leaves and bark, ensuring she has a cozy place to rest during the day. Watching her curl up in her nest, I feel a sense of accomplishment, knowing that I've created a sanctuary for this precious creature, until she is ready to find her place in the wild.  As she grew stronger and more confident, I began to see the wild spirit within her. Her playful antics and adventurous explorations were a joy to witness, and I knew that, one day, she will be ready to return to the wild. That day was bittersweet.  Once the hatch was open she came back a couple of times, then she was gone. (May 2021)

Aslan

Aslan was found on top of flag pole in the middle of Albany under the eaves on a store on the busy main street. I collected her, took her to the vet. she was given a clean bill of health and I took her back to Amaris. As she was perfectly healthy there was no need to keep her for long. To prevent stress she was in an enclosure for about a week to acclimatise to the sounds and smells that are Amaris. Once the hatch was open on 21 March 2021 she was gone. Run free little one. You were a sweetie. (March 2021)

Peyton & Pia Preston & Paige

These 2 Mums with their babies were dropped off at amaris by a Pest Control Company. The ceiling of the house they were living in was being renovated and there was no foresight in the planning of a safe and successful relocation. The dilemma of accepting ringtail possums for relocation is heart-wrenching, as these creatures are incredibly territorial and relocating them can lead to significant stress and conflict. However, when their current home, such as this house,  is undergoing renovations, they can't continue living there safely. The delicate balance between ensuring their well-being and finding a suitable solution is challenging. On one hand, keeping them in their familiar environment is crucial for their mental health and territorial instincts. On the other, the impending renovations pose a risk to their safety and disrupt their habitat. Finding a compromise that respects their natural behaviors while ensuring their immediate safety is essential, though it often feels like an impossible task with no perfect solution. The key is to minimise stress and prioritise their long-term survival and welfare.

When relocating ringtail possums, it's essential to ensure they become familiar with their new environment to minimize stress and enhance their chances of successful adaptation. The process began by placing the possums in my enclosure within the area they will eventually call home.

This enclosure acted as a transitional space where the possums could gradually acclimate to the new sounds, smells, and sights. It's been designed to be as natural as possible, with branches, leaves, and other elements that mimic their native habitat. During this period, they would become accustomed to the local flora and fauna, as well as any human presence, which would help reduce the shock of the move.

The enclosure allowed the possums to establish a sense of territory and security. They learned to navigate the area, recognise potential food sources, and understand the patterns of the local wildlife. I monitored their behavior closely, ensuring they are eating well, showing normal activity levels, and not exhibiting signs of stress, reporting everything to my very experienced mentor.

Once the possums had shown signs of settling in, they were gradually released into the broader environment. This soft-release approach gave them the best chance to thrive, as they were not immediately thrust into an entirely unfamiliar setting. Instead, they had time to adapt and feel secure, increasing the likelihood of a successful transition to their new home.

This careful and compassionate process underscores the importance of considering the possums' natural behaviors and emotional well-being in any relocation effort. (Dec 2021)